| Finish | 31 January 2008 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedHeld at the prestigious Palais des Festivals, Cannes, between the 21st and 25th April 2008, The Sony World Photography Awards proudly give tribute to photographers around the globe in all categories. From landscape to music, photojournalism to fashion, the Sony World Photography Awards showcases the world’s best images taken by the most renowned photographers as well as the yet undiscovered.
Two sections: Amateur and Professionals
For The Amateur Photographer
The Sony World Photography Awards are international and interactive, allowing millions of people across the world to submit their photographs to an amateur competition that will be run in parallel to the Professional Awards.
Each Photographer may submit up to 3 photographs into the competition.
All submitted works will be judged by Academy members, and a winner from each category will be selected by the Academy.
The 9 winners of each category will be showcased in the exhibition of all finalists work, which will be held at the Palais des festivals in Cannes from the 21st -25th April 2008, and will be open free to the public for viewing.
An overall winner will be selected by the Academy.
The winner plus one guest will be flown to Cannes, accommodated in a five star hotel and receive VIP tickets to attend the Awards evening which will take place on Thursday 24th April and will feature:
- Cocktail Reception. A reception of 400 VIPs including photographers , nominees, picture editors and judges.
- Awards Ceremony. The announcement of winners in the Grand Auditorium in front of over 2,000 guests including the presentation of the Sony World Photography Award Amateur Photographer of the Year
- Awards Dinner. 400 VIPs will join guests on the Croisette for sumptuous gala dinner.
Amateur Award categories include:
1. Abstract
2. Architectural
3. Fashion
4. Music / Performance
5. Nature
6. People
7. Science
8. Sport
To enter the Amateur competition or if you would just like to view and rate photographs that have been entered into the competition, register your details here.
For The Professionals.
Each Photographer must submit up to 10 pieces of work for a single category.
All submitted works will be judged by Academy members, and three finalists will be nominated in each of the eleven categories.
An exhibition of all finalists work will be held at the Palais des festivals in Cannes from the 21st -25th April 2008, and will be open for public viewing.
The Awards evening will be a black tie event for the crème de la crème of the photo and press industry, bringing the photographic community into Cannes to celebrate photography and its art.
Professional Award categories include:
1. Abstract
2. Advertising
3. Architectural
4. Fashion
5. Music / Performance
6. Nature
7. Nude
8. People
9. Photojournalism
10. Science
11. Sport
To enter the Professionals competition or if you would just like to view and rate photographs that have been entered into the competition, register your details here.
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 — 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.