| Copyright | Not specified. |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
For six years, Nerve has showcased the hottest work from some of the world’s best photographers. That’s been great and all, but it leaves one small problem: There are lots of people who don’t happen to be among the best photographers in the world but still like to take sexy pictures. The Nerve Photo Contest is our way of welcoming the rest of you into our community of creative hedonists. Much more importantly, the contest is the excuse you’ve been waiting for — now you can ask that really hot girl/guy who lives down the block to pose for you.
The Prize: $500 for first place.
How to Enter:
- Find a vaguely exhibitionist friend and a digital camera (or a regular camera and scanner).
- Take some sexy photo of someone making a scary face.
- Submit your photos.
- After uploading photos, check your email (the email address you used for your Nerve account) and confirm your submission.
The Rules:
1. Images must be in JPEG (.jpeg, .jpg) format, with dimensions between 200 and 640 pixels. File size must be no larger than 200 KB.
2. No more than three entries per person.
3. You must agree to the legal disclaimer on the photo submissions page, which means:
– No photos of anyone under 18;
– No photos of anyone who hasn’t consented to be photographed for the Nerve Photo Contest.
4. All entries are subject to the laws of the State of New York solely, regardless of the point of origin of the uploading computer or residence of the photographer or the subject of the photo.
In order to sumbit your photos you must sing up here.
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.