Contests can be bad deals for photographers

"Entries may be published by Sponsors and/or their designees, licensees or affiliates (the "Authorized Parties") in magazines, on websites, or in any other medium, at Authorized Parties' discretion. By participating, all entrants grant a license in the Entries to the Authorized Parties, and acknowledge that any Authorized Party may use the entries and a name credit in any media now or hereafter known, without restriction, including commercially using the entries to the fullest extent possible worldwide in perpetuity. Authorized Parties will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such use."

I added the quote marks and bolding of the last sentence. This was copied straight off the rules for The Great Outdoors Contest being run by Photo District News (I've always thought it was a great magazine - until now), National Geographic Traveller (again, I always assumed they were a good organization), and also sponsored by Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hotel, Budget car rentals, Jacks Diving Locker, Bogen Imaging, and Hawaiian Airlines.

It comes down to, any one of these companies can take any entry - your entry - and use it for thousands of dollars worth of advertising, and YOU PAID FOR THE PRIVILEGE with your contest entry fee.

They do not have to do anything other than give you a photo credit. You've spent thousands of dollars (most likely) on camera(s), lens(es) and computer gear, thousands of hours learning to use it all, untold time getting the photos, and all you get is a credit on an ad you'll most likely never see and no-one is likely to notice your name.

Most contests are really good, but read the fine print - this kind of usage grab is just bad for you and for the photography industry. Even if you never want to shoot professionally - your images have worth, don't give it away unless its to friends or worthy causes. Companies that can afford to pay for photography (which is a very small percentage of the advertising budget) should. Don't let them get away with this kind of abuse of talented people.