Recently I have been quite successful in a few competitions. I use Photocrowd to enter a series of international competitions that are sponsored by magazines, photography companies and individuals. Most competitions feature over 500 photograph and provide a good benchmark on how good your images are.

This is my latest win two swans at Derwent Water. Have a look.

https://www.photocrowd.com/photo-competitions/into-the-wild-animals-in-their-habitat-animal-photo-contest-2361/overview/

I advise any photographer to enter free competitions to guage how you are doing.