| Copyright | By submitting photographs to this contest, contest entrants thereby give permission to Mobility International USA (MIUSA), the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE), the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and members of the NCDE Roundtable Advisory Board Consortium (RTC) to use submitted photographs in the calendar, screensaver, future print and online publications as well as promotional and marketing materials. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Contest is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. |
| Finish | 30 May 2008 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Are you a person with a disability? Have you been abroad to study, volunteer, teach, intern or research? Do you have photos? Share them with the world!
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) want your photos for a full-color, 12-month 2009 calendar and screensaver.Prizes
- 1st Prize: Wheeled Backpack with Docking Daypack from Destinations- The Travel Store
- 2nd Prize: $100 American Airlines Travel Gift Certificate
- 3rd Prize: Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door Travel Publications
- Other prizes include: Mobility International USA’s Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities and MIUSA ‘Challenge Yourself and Change the World’ T-shirts.
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What We Are Looking For
High quality photos depicting people with various disabilities (apparent and non-apparent) taking part in overseas experiences: studying, volunteering, teaching, interning or participating in an international educational experience.
Suggested themes include:
- Local life / Interaction with the local population
- Participating in cultural events
- Working / Volunteering / Community Service
- Teaching / Classroom settings
- Enjoying the landscape and architecture
- Taking part in adventure
- Using public transportation
Photos must be submitted in digital format (jpeg, TIFF) on a CD with a brief description of the photo, including who is in the photo, what it is of, where and when it was taken, the name of program (if any) and by whom the photograph was taken. Please make sure corresponding photo file names are included with descriptions if more than one photo is submitted.
The official web page with Rules and the ContestEntry Form: http://www.miusa.org/ncde/spotlight/photocontest08
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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.