In case it's not painfully obvious, several contest deadlines fast approach.

I've been having a blast working with great bodies of work so it's not painful on my end. But then I don't have to write summaries and captions and prep and upload files. Several contests have made that part easier this year so if you are on the fence about entering, I would encourage you to enter. Nothing ventured ...

I'd also like to offer my services to help you but I'm booked through mid-January.

Here are a few links and deadlines, in case they're not at your fingertips:

World Press Photo application deadline is Jan. 7 (tomorrow) and deadline for submitting photos is Thursday, Jan. 13. It's a two-step process.

POYi deadline is Friday, Jan. 14. The entry fee is well worth the exposure your work gets. I'm pretty sure you can watch the judging live again this year, which is highly educational. Stay tuned for more on that.

The Alexia Foundation deadline is Jan. 18. This is the first year Tom Kennedy is chair of the foundation at Syracuse University.

PDN Photo Annual competition deadline is Jan. 25. It's pricey to enter.

Those are just a few that are in your face right now.

Good luck.