| Eligibility | UK citizens only |
|---|---|
| Finish | 14 December 2007 |
| Entry fee | Free |
The objective is to explore work life in the UK’s towns and cities during any single hour of a 24 hour day. There will be 24 prizes, one awarded for each hour and from these will be chosen the Urban Photographer of the Year and two runners up.
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Finished
The competition is open to all photographers, both professional and amateur, of 16 years and over who live in the UK. The Urban Photographer of the Year will be the person who, in the eyes of the judges, captures iconic observation on the theme ‘CITIES AT WORK’.
You can choose to photograph any UK town or city at work at any hour. For example a photograph could capture Oxford at work at 10am, Liverpool at work at 2am, Bristol at work at 9pm and so on. You can enter up to 24 separate photographs but only one for each hour. Please ensure you read the Rules.
There are three rounds to the competition.
ROUND ONE – THE SHORT LIST
We will shortlist each of the hours down to a maximum of ten finalists. If you make this cut you will automatically qualify for the competition ‘goody bag’. The ‘goody bag’ will contain offers for discounts and other benefits from our sponsors and other photographic industry brands. These offers will amount to a significant discount in your future purchases and photographic development. Contents of the ‘goody bag’ will be released in January 2008 to shortlist winners who will be sent a password for the site link.
ROUND TWO – THE 24 HOUR PRIZES
We have divided the day into its 24 hours and invited sponsors to offer a prize for each individual hour. You can enter as many photographs as you like but only one image per hour per person.
The overall winner for each hour will be awarded the sponsored prize featured. We would like to thank all competition sponsors for their support. Please click here to access the 24:00 Prize Page.
ROUND THREE– THE URBAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2007
CB Richard Ellis is delighted to offer three significant prizes in recognition of our three finalists. Evaluated by our distinguished panel of judges, there will be one winner and two runners up. We plan to award these prizes and exhibit some of the best images at an Awards Evening at the Tate Gallery in Liverpool in early 2008. Details will be released on this site January 2008.
How to Enter
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.