| Copyright | Australian Explorer reserves the right to showcase photograph entries within the Australian Explorer website as examples of entry and to use photograph entries as part of the Australian Explorer websites general content. |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
Australian Explorer is looking for all those budding photographers out there, as well as those of you who have managed to capture a fantastic fluke shot. Send in your favourite photographs of Australia to Australian Explorer. This might be a picture of your home town, favourite animal or holiday snap. Whatever you choose, we want to see it. If you’re lucky you may even win one of our fabulous prizes.
Each photograph competition runs for a period of six months followed by a voting period of three months. Once the six month entry period has expired no more entries to that particular competition will be accepted and voting begins. Entries made during the voting period will automatically be entered into the next competition. These entries will be made immediately visible to the public within the “Latest Photograph Competition Entries” area. This overlapping multi-stage entry system enables Australian Explorer to constantly accept entries with the advantage of prizes being awarded every six months. BONUS: The latest "Best Australian Photograph" Competition prize has now been raised to a fantastic $500 Experience Voucher ( previously $250 ).
- Entries will only be accepted in the JPEG (.jpg) digital format
- Digital images can only be submitted online using the specific entry form
- Digital images must not exceed a file size of 1MB. Entries over this size restriction will not be accepted
Terms and Conditions Official web site: www.australianexplorer.com/free_competition_3.htm Enter 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 — 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.