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“The box that changed our lives” Photo Competition

FinishedThe Container Shipping Information Service (CSIS) has launched a worldwide photography competition to encourage people to think about the huge impact container shipping has on their lives.

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Entitled ‘The box that changed our lives’ and aimed at amateur or ‘have-a-go’ photographers, the competition will run throughout August and September. It will generate awareness of the enormous benefit – usually unrecognised – that container shipping has on our lives. These pictures can be of unusual or innovative ways of using containers, such as community centres and housing, or simply images of the containers in transit onboard a ship or lorry.

Prizes:
The overall best entry will be picked by a panel of judges, including US based professional photographer Nick Souza, and awarded the winning prize of a top-of-the-range SLR digital camera. The two runners-up will also receive digital cameras.

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To enter the competition, applicants will email their pictures to [email protected]. All entries will be considered and the ten best images each week will be published on the CSIS website, www.shipsandboxes.com.

There is a limit of two submitted photos per person. Photos thought to be outside of the above criteria may be removed from consideration without the entrant being notified.

Information that must be submitted when signing up to the contest is; the photographer’s name and occupation, the photographer’s address (or where you would like the prize sent, should you win), a title for the shot and a maximum of 75 words on the story on the photo; where and how. Why did the image capture your interest?

Terms and conditions: www.shipsandboxes.com/tandcs/

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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.

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.

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