| Copyright | TPOTY does not make any claim whatsoever on the copyright of YOUR images. The copyright will, at all times, be retained by the photographer and, where an image or images are reproduced by TPOTY, the photographer will be credited. The organisers and sponsors reserve the right to free reproduction and exhibition of entered images in all media, but only in connection with this competition. |
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| Eligibility | Amateur and professional photographers may enter the three Portfolio and the One Shot categories. First Shot is for amateur photographers only. Young Travel Photographer of the Year is for photographers aged 16 and under. The other categories are all for photographers aged 17 and over. |
| Finish | 9 September 2008 |
| Entry fee | The entry fee for each portfolio category is £15. The entry fee for One Shot and First Shot is £10 per category, and Young TPOTY is free to enter. |
Finished
The 2008 Prizes
- Cash prizes
- Amazing travel and photographic opportunities including Everest Skydive expedition, gorillas in Uganda, rum and rumba in Cuba and a slow boat along the Ganges in India
- Break into fine art photography with one of the best panoramic cameras in the world, the Linhof Technorama large format camera
- A huge selection of image editing, image manipulation and web design software; compact flash cards and card readers; high quality professional filters and custom made portfolio books
- Photo Iconic photographic tuition for young and less experienced photographers by professional photographers and digital imaging experts
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Entries shot on film or digital cameras are eligible for all categories, apart from First Shot. First Shot is for images shot on mobile phones or compact digital cameras only. Images shot on mobile phones will not be accepted for any other categories.
First Shot: This category is a separate award. This new award is open to amateur photographers aged 17 and above. It is a category for less experienced photographers only; for single images shot on basic DSLR, compact digital cameras or mobile phones. Photographers who have sold any of their images, had their images published, or have previously won a photography competition, are not eligible for this award.
Categories & Prizes
Competition Rules
How To Enter
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 — 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.