| Copyright | The copyright remains with the original copyright holder. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any professional photographer. |
| Finish | 1 February 2008 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Compete with the very best in still photojournalism. Now in its seventh year, the Best of Photojournalism (BOP) is the world’s leading digital photojournalism contest.Best of Photojournalism 2008 is open to professional photographers, editors and online photojournalists, and there is no entry fee. All entries must have been taken or initially published between January 1st and December 31st, 2007. Photographers do not need to be members of NPPA to enter.
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BOP is a project of the National Press Photographers Association.
Number of Entries Allowed Per Photographer:
- Each photographer will be limited to 20 entries.
- Photographers may enter in any combination of single, story, or portfolio categories, subject to the 20-entry limit.
- A picture story or portfolio is considered one entry, so a photographer can submit considerably more than 20 images if they enter pictures in these categories.
- A single photograph may not be entered on its own in more than one category. However, a photo may be entered in both a single category and one picture story.
- Similarly, a picture story may be entered both in the appropriate picture story category and as a part of a single portfolio.
- A picture entered in the wrong category will not be reclassified and the judges reserve the right to disqualify it.
A list of categories and all the terms and rules are available here:
bop.nppa.org/2008/still_photography/rules/preparing_images.html.en
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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.