One easy way to promote your deck building skills and your company is to enter your work in one of several increasingly popular manufacturer-sponsored photo contests. For example, Feeney Architectural recently announced the winners of its semi-annual photo contest, which it has run since 2005. In addition to seeing their work featured on Feeney's website, winners are eligible for cash prizes ranging up to $500.
Another company that is running a photo contest is Woodway, a major manufacturer and supplier of lattice and other deck-related products. Its contest is open until July 31, and winners will be announced sometime in mid-August. According to its contest rules, prizes include the chance to win an iPad, a digital SLR camera, and other swag.
One thing to keep in mind about these photo contests is that - for the most part - the photos that you submit essentially become the property of the manufacturer. While the issue of rights likely varies from company to company, typically by entering the contest, you grant the company to right to use your images however it wants to promote its brand without compensating or notifying you. This is a legitimate way for companies to acquire high-quality images of high-quality work, but it may not be in your own interest, so check the contest rules carefully before entering.
