| Finish | 16 November 2007 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThis year, Geographical would like to invite readers to demonstrate their skills with a camera and enter the Geographical Photographer of the Year competition, sponsored by Olympus.
Winning photographs will be published in a future issue of Geographical, while a selection of the best images will be showcased at a special exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society from 3 to 7 March next year.
Prizes
- First prize: a £10,000 12-day Zambian safari
- Second prize: a £5,000 ten-day trip to Dubai and Oman, courtesy of Hilton Hotels
- All category winners: will receive an Olympus camera
Categories
• People and culture
From customs to people in their environment, your photograph should capture the essence of people from across the globe.
• Travel
We want to see images that depict your travel adventures – either a destination or form of transport.
• Wildlife
From deepest Africa to your back garden, your photograph should capture animals in the wild or animal conservation efforts.
• Environmental issues
Renewable energy, polluted cities – we want to see humanity’s effect on the environment, as well as attempts to conserve it.
• Landscape
Show us the wonders of the natural world, from desert dunes to mighty forests.
• Expeditions and fieldwork
Your photographs should show evidence of geographical fieldwork – aid work, teaching in schools and research.
How to enter
Each photograph must be submitted as an A4 print. Please ensure that all prints are clearly labelled on the reverse with the photographer’s name and address. Each print must be placed in a separate, unsealed envelope that is clearly marked with the following details:
• Competition category being entered
• Photographer’s name, address, telephone number and email address
• A caption of no more than 50 words, including a description of where and when the photo was taken and what, in your opinion, makes the image special
• Technical data, including type of camera, lenses, filters and film (where applicable) used in taking the shot
Entries should be mailed in one envelope, together with the entry form (printed in Geographical or available to download below), to the Geographical editorial office address on the form. Photocopied forms are acceptable.
Entry form (in PDF)
More information is here.
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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 — Nature photography contests
Who can enter nature photography contests?
Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.
Are nature photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates 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 nature photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.
How do I choose which nature contest to enter?
Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.
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 — 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.