| Copyright | The Gallery may reproduce and or license the reproduction of any entries featured in the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition without any payment to the photographer, model or any third party for any sales, marketing, educational and publicity use on, and in, all media worldwide including catalogues, posters, postcards, the Internet and within a television documentary related to the exhibition. However, such free use shall only be in connection with the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize and where practicable the photographer, and if appropriate the agency, will receive credit for such use. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Entry is open to photographers from around the world, aged 18 and over. |
| Finish | 25 July 2008 |
| Entry fee | a registration fee of £16 for each photograph entered |
Finished
Submissions are now being invited for this prestigious international photographic portrait competition, which celebrates and promotes the very best in contemporary portrait photography.
The Photographic Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery has established a reputation for its diversity of photographic styles, encompassing editorial, reportage and fine art images submitted by a range of photographers, from gifted amateurs and photography students to professionals.This year, the winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2008 will receive £12,000. In addition the judges, at their discretion, will award one or more cash prizes to the shortlisted photographers.
===
You can submit up to six photographs.
Photographs
- must be portraits. ‘Portrait’ may be interpreted in its widest sense, of ‘photography concerned with portraying people with emphasis on their identity as individuals’
- must have been taken after 1 January 2007. Photographers must, if required, show proof of the date on which the photograph was taken
- can be black and white or colour
- must be unmounted and on paper no smaller than 420 x 297mm (A3 size) and no larger than 1015 x 760mm. The image may be smaller than the paper size
- must be submitted in transparent protective sleeves in order to protect during judging
Official web site: www.npg.org.uk/photoprize
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 — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
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.