| Copyright | All Photos will become the exclusive property of Sponsor. Sponsor shall have the right, but not the obligation, to edit, adapt and publish any or all of the Photos, and may use them in any media whatsoever, including, but not limited to the Internet, without attribution or compensation to the entrant, the Baby, either of their successors or assigns, or any other entity. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Amateurs only, US citizens |
| Entry fee | Free |
Sponsor: Canon U.S.A., Inc.,
Your baby is cute, your baby is smart. Could your baby be the future US President? Send us the best pictures of your baby that show off the smile that’s ready to win over the country.
Prizes:
ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 in the form of a check that winner can apply towards the education of the Baby.
THREE (3) FIRST PRIZES: A Canon EOS® 40D Digital SLR Camera and a Canon SELPHY® ES2 Compact Photo Printer. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $1,700.
THREE (3) SECOND PRIZES: A Canon PowerShot® Digital ELPH Camera and a $200 Gift Certificate to Babies R’ Us. ARV: $550.
TEN (10) THIRD PRIZES: A Canon PIXMA® MP970 Photo All-In-One and $100 Gift Certificate to Babies R’ Us. ARV: $400.
How to Enter:
You may submit up to six (6) eligible photos at any time during the Submission Phase. You may submit eligible photos of more than one of your children (as long as each child is less than one year of age at the time of entry), but you cannot submit more than six (6) eligible photos total.
During the Submission Phase, visit www.canonestore.com/babyphoto (the “Website”) and follow the links and instructions to upload one (1) photo of your baby (the “Photo”). By submission of a Photo, you grant permission to Sponsor to post your Photo to an online viewing gallery during the Submission phase. After submission and verification that your Photo conforms to the Guidelines and Restrictions (defined below), your Photo may appear in the online viewing gallery throughout the Submission Phase. Baby featured in the Photo (the “Baby”) must be less than one (1) year of age at the time of entry. You must be the parent or legal guardian of the Baby and you must be the original photographer of the Photo (or received a written release in a form acceptable to the Sponsor from the copyright holder of the Photo). No entries by mail will be accepted. You will receive one (1) entry into the Contest for each eligible Photo you properly submit, up to a maximum of six (6) entries per person/per valid email address. You may submit eligible Photos of more than one (1) of your children (as long as each child is less than one (1) year of age at the time of entry), but you cannot submit more than six (6) eligible Photos total. Each entry must be submitted by a single individual; no joint or group entries allowed. By completing the Contest registration and submitting your Photo, you agree that your Photo conforms to the Photo Guidelines and Content Restrictions as defined below (collectively, the “Guidelines and Restrictions”) and that Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may remove your Photo and disqualify you from the Contest if it believes, in its sole discretion, that your Photo fails to conform to the Guidelines and Restrictions.
Photo Guidelines:
The Photo must meet the following guidelines:
- The Photo must be in .jpg format;
- The Photo must have a file size no greater than 4 MB;
- Photo submitted must only include the image of one child;
- The Photo cannot have been submitted previously in a promotion of any kind or previously exhibited or displayed publicly through any means; and
- The Photo must be from a single capture with any digital or film camera; no montages or composite images allowed.
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 — Portrait photography contests
Who can enter portrait photography contests?
Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.
Are portrait photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.
How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?
Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.
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.