| Eligibility | Anyone |
|---|---|
| Finish | 31 December 2007 |
| Entry fee | $35 per piece |
The winner in each category will receive a prize package, valued at over $2,500. The winning image in each category will appear in a special issue of Photoshop User magazine. Enter your work in any of the following categories:
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!* General Photography
Finished
* Photo Retouching
* Advertising Design
* Illustration
* Artistic Work
* Wedding & Portrait Photography
* Landscape & Travel Photography
* Composites and Collaging
* Photo Restoration
* Student Work
* General Photoshop Design
Prize:
The Best of Show winner will go on assignment for Photoshop User magazine to Maui, Hawaii to create a cover image for the magazine. Photoshop User will provide round-trip airfare for the winner, and an assistant of their choice, along with hotel accommodations, hotel transfers, and daily expenses. The cover they create will be used on a cover of Photoshop User magazine.
You may submit a minimum of one (1) to a maximum of three (3) individual pieces in one or more of the following categories (no more than three images in total may be submitted):
- General Photography (digital or traditional scanned images manipulated or composited in Photoshop)
- Illustration (original creations drawn or created in Photoshop)
- Artistic (artistic creations)
- Photo Restoration (Restoring or repairing damaged images – die: rips, scratches, tears, faded photos, etc.)
- Wedding and Portrait Photography (Wedding or Portrait images enhanced using Photoshop.)
- Landscape & Travel Photography (Outdoor photography enhanced or corrected, or processed in Photoshop)
- Photo Retouching (Retouching people, landscapes, architectural images, commercial retouching, etc.)
- Advertising Design (Images used in brochures, annual report collages, advertising, logos, etc.)
- Composites and Collaging (Collage of iamges).
- Student Work (Images created or manipulated by students. NOTE: A valid student ID is required to enter work in this category).
- General Photoshop Design (Images that don’t fit into one of the categories listed above, die: cartoons, Photoshop graffiti art, tattoo art, medical imagery, astronomy, etc.).
How to enter
Rules
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.