It is important to look at the widest definition of photography, and that includes work by photographic artists.
http://www.marysadowling.co.uk/ etc
The kind of work that would fit into a contemporary art gallery, within a series, rather than work that you would have printed on a card or put onto a poster. Photography covers so many different areas, it would be a shame if the judges excluded some because they are not popular with the general public.
I consider myself to be ok at photography. I love it with my heart and soul. If I enter a competition, I do not expect to get shortlisted and am delighted if I am. Entering competitions helps me edit and select and look at my work more clearly, so on that level it is so useful. I appreciate the work of others even if it is not my cup of tea.
Let us leave selection to the judges, and trust in their judgement and experience.