| Copyright | entries remain the property of the photographer |
|---|---|
| Finish | 21 January 2008 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Dgrin Last Photographer Standing contest is a straightforward knockout competition with just three rounds: Qualifying Rounds, Semifinals and a Grand Finale. (See the diagram)
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Finished
Every two weeks, a Qualifying Round.
There will be 20 qualifying rounds over the year. Each time, 10 people are selected for the next round, a Semifinal.
Every three months, a Semifinal.
There will be four semifinals a year. Only the Qualifying Round winners can play, up to 50 of you. 10 advance from each Semifinal to the Grand Finale.
Once a year, a Grand Finale.
Only Semifinal winners can play. That’s up to 40 of you. The winner is the Last Photographer Standing.
Schedule:
November 12 – semifinal finalists (10, eligible for Finale) chosen w/open voting for a public choice award, and beginning of 16th contest
November 26 – finalists chosen and beginning of 17th contest
December 10 – finalists chosen and beginning of 18th contest
December 24 – finalists chosen and beginning of 19th contest
January 7 – finalists chosen and beginning of 20th contest
January 21 – finalists chosen and beginning of 4th semifinal contest
February 4 – semifinal finalists chosen and the beginning of the Grand Finale
February 18 – public voting for the Dgrin’s Last Photographer Standing!
PHOTO ENTRIES
- To be eligible, digital photos must be shot during the respective 2-week contest period. Entries must have exif embedded or appended. Click here and here for help. Photos entered without proper exif showing a clear shot date will be disqualified. Photos made via HDR, you can include the exif from one of the merged images.
- Only one photo may be entered into the contest thread per photographer. You may post your potential entries for comment/critique in a separate thread in the Contests and Challenges Forum.
- You may enter a photo into the contest thread at any time during the contest period, and you can also change that submission at anytime during the contest period, by editing your post. The order of entries in the contest gallery has no bearing on the selection of the finalists.
- Photos must be not longer than 800 pixels on their longest side. If you use SmugMug, link a -L image (Large) for landscapes or use a custom image size to maximize a portrait. If you cannot link your photo, attachments are limited to 150Kb in size. Photos with branding or watermarks will be disqualified, however, a small signature and copyright are encouraged. No borders or framing (discussion here).
- You must give a unique name to your photo in the title of your entry post, for selection and voting purposes.
Prizes:
– Public Choice Award (4 per year)
1st: $1500(USD) Gift Certificate to B&H Photo, Adobe Photoshop CS2, Adobe Lightroom, a Crumpler 4 Million Dollar Home a Lensbaby 3G, a $200 fotofl?t gift certificate and a 1 year SmugMug Pro account
2nd: Adobe Photoshop CS2, a a $150 fotofl?t gift certificate and a 1 Year SmugMug Pro account
3rd: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a $100 fotofl?t gift certificate and a 1 year SmugMug Pro account
4th through 10th – 1 year SmugMug Pro account
– Dgrin’s Last Photographer Standing
One Winner: $7500(USD) Cash, Lifetime SmugMug Pro account
Register for free.
More information is 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 — 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.