| Copyright | Magnum and/or its Competition Partners will credit the artist as the author and copyright holder of his/her photographs. By entering the competition, Participants grant Magnum Photos and its Competition Partners an irrevocable, non-exclusive, worldwide royalty-free license to reproduce, publicly display, distribute, publicly perform and create derivative works from their Submitted Materials, in all media, solely in connection with the administration, judging and promotion of the Magnum Expression Award, including, but not limited to, on the Magnum, HP, Blurb.com and PhotoShelter websites. |
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| Eligibility | Participation in the Magnum Expression Award competition is open to all photographers over the age of 18. |
| Finish | 30 September 2009 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
The Magnum Expression Photography Award mission is to discover and illuminate compelling documentary photography employed in innovative ways to affect social awareness and propel humanitarian compassion.
The inaugural theme for the award is Communities.
Criteria for Evaluation
- Excellence & inventiveness in building a photographic narrative.
- Singularity of vision and compassion for the subjects.
- Ability to produce a thought-provoking visual presentation.
Prizes
The winner of the Magnum Expression Award will receive an HP Designjet Z3200. Photo Printer and a package of media supplies provided by HP. The winner will also receive a $10,000 cash prize to support continued work on the winning project; the opportunity to produce a multimedia essay of the winning entry in collaboration with Magnum’s Magnum in Motion team; sponsorship for the production of exhibition prints on an HP Designjet Z3200 for a solo exhibition of the winning entry; a $3000 credit for production of the winning essay in book form on HP Indigo printers in collaboration with Blurb.com; a customizable PhotoShelter pro account and website for one year; and advice and mentorship from a Magnum photographer regarding the continuation of the winning project.
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- Each entrant may submit from 8 to 15 images to illustrate a single photographic essay.
- Entry images must be electronic and must be uploaded to the Host Site, which will require creation of a PhotoShelter account. (The Host Site will provide instructions.)
- Entry images must be submitted at, or be available at, sufficiently high resolution so that they can be printed at a standard acceptable for display in printed media.
- Entry images must be numbered in the order that you wish them to be presented, with the number coming first in the file name (to ensure the correct sequence please use two digits, example: 01, 02, 03) followed by the entrant’s last name (e.g. 01Smith, 02Smith, 03Smith etc.). Please do not use any spacing in the file names.
Entries must be made online using the instructions provided at http://expression.magnumphotos.com
Frequently asked questions — Free photography contests
Who can enter free photography contests?
Most free contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of experience level or equipment. Many explicitly encourage students, hobbyists, and emerging creators—always verify age requirements or thematic restrictions on the official contest page.
Are free photography contests really free?
Yes—entry is $0 across the board. Some contests offer optional paid perks like expedited feedback or printed certificates, but submission, judging, and basic participation remain completely free. Fee status is confirmed in the Quick Facts section on each PhotoCompete listing.
What prizes do free photography contests offer?
Prizes vary widely: cash awards range $100–$5,000, while non-monetary rewards include online features, publication credits, mentorship sessions, exhibition inclusion, or gear donations. Even without cash, free contests offer valuable exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
How do I choose which free contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose theme or mission aligns with your work. Review past winners to gauge style preferences, confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), and read rights clauses carefully—even free contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
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.