| Copyright | SPC reserves the right to display, reproduce and publish in any media any entry, without payment, for the sole purpose of the SPC and exhibition and its promotion and publicity. No copyright is transferred to the SPC in respect of any works entered or accepted. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any photogrpaher except for full time professionals |
| Finish | 4 April 2008 |
| Entry fee | £2 per entry (Minimum entry fee £6) |
FinishedThe Sharow Photographic Competition is open to all comers of any age and all abilities. Any person can compete in just one category or all categories either in print or digital format.
In each category, photographs can be entered either in mounted print format or as digital file format in the form of a CD-Rom. Monitor screens will be used for judging and throughout the exhibition to display all digital files.
General Categories
1. Power
2. People at Work
3. Heritage
4. Wildlife
Special Category (10-19 years old)
1. Schools/Students – any subject
Prizes
Prizes are awarded for both print & digital file format and also in each category (total 24 prizes)
First prize £50; Second prize £30; Third prize £20
Schools Section (digital format only, any subject): First prize £50; Second prize £30; Third prize £20
Plus four commendations at £15 each
Grand Prize for ‘The Best Overall Photograph’: £250
Runner-up’s Grand Prize for ‘The Best Overall Photograph’: £100
Photos entered in the Schools Section will also be judged for the Best Overall Photograph and Runner-up Prizes as well as those entered in the main competition.
31 prizes in all – total prize money: £1,210
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The competition is open to all comers of any age group – except full-time professional photographers.
Entrants can compete one or more categories.
The original photo must have been taken within the last 5 years.
The following are the rules & dates for entry for the 2008 Competition.
Prints
Sizes/mounting
- Photo prints must be mounted on (any colour) mount card.
- Maximum overall mount size: 20” x 16” landscape or portrait format. Entries over this size will be rejected.
- Prints can be surface mounted or window mounted.
- Maximum 16 images per person any format – no more than 4 images in any one category.
Digital file entries and display
- Digital files must be submitted on a CD-Rom in full size jpeg format. Please do not downsize your files.
- Each file should be titled electronically to facilitate judging for the five categories as: Power (POW); People at work (WOR); Heritage (HER); Wildlife (WIL); Schools (SCH)
- The FILENAME must be the TITLE of the images preceded by the category entered, for example: POW Steam engine.jpg or POW-Steam engine.jpg You may use blank spaces or underscore in the filename.
- Entries will be displayed on 46” LCD Flat Panel Display Units at the exhibition.
- Send your CD-Rom to Cathy Gledson (see address below) – maximum 16 images per person – no more than 4 images in any one category.
Official web site: www.sharowphotocomp.co.uk/rules.php
Entry forms: www.sharowphotocomp.co.uk/entryforms.php
Frequently asked questions — Amateur photography contests
Who can enter amateur photography contests?
Most amateur contests welcome non-professional photographers worldwide—hobbyists, students, and emerging creators. Many explicitly exclude those who earn primary income from photography to ensure a level playing field. Always verify age requirements and amateur-status definitions on the official contest page.
Are amateur photography contests free to enter?
Many are free or low-cost: entry fees typically range from $0–$25 per submission, with student discounts or early-bird rates often available. Fee status and discount tiers are confirmed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do amateur photography contests offer?
Prizes emphasize growth and exposure: cash awards range $100–$2,500, while non-monetary rewards include mentorship feedback, online feature spots, workshop scholarships, or entry credits to advanced contests. Even without large cash prizes, these contests offer valuable confidence-building opportunities.
How do I choose which amateur contest to enter?
Prioritize contests that match your current skill level and genre interests. Look for opportunities offering constructive feedback or educational components, confirm that professional photographers are excluded (if that matters to you), and review rights clauses—even amateur contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.