| Copyright | Any entry without return postage will become the property of Full Spectrum Imaging. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Entries are open to all ages of amateur photographers. |
| Finish | 20 September 2008 |
| Entry fee | Entry fee per photo is $3. |
Finished
CATEGORIES:
- Abstract – Can be color or black and white.
- Animal – Photo must be an animal as the main subject.
- Black and White – Any subject matter.
- Landscape – Includes plant life, water and/or the natural outdoor setting.
- Plant Life – Must have a plant or part of a plant as the main subject.
- Portrait/People – A representation of a person, posed and/or close-up. Can be in a casual setting or formal.
- Special Effects/Manipulated – Can be color or black and white and altered in the darkroom or with computer software. Include a small 4×6 photo of the original photo before manipulation.
- Still-Life – An arrangement of inanimate objects.
- Structures – Any type of building or man-made structure, large or small.
- Theme – “Balloons”. Can be color or black and white but representing balloons. Can be the small party balloons or the larger helium balloons. This will be in honor of the balloon festival held during Columbus Days.
Judging will be based on subject matter, composition, technical quality, impact/emotion, photographic
presentation, and conforming to contest guidelines.
Awards will be given to top 3 winners in each category. All participants will receive a participation ribbon. An overall winner, “Judge’s Choice”, will receive special recognition. The public is invited to vote for a “People’s Choice” winner while photos are on display during the Columbus Day celebration in Columbus, KS October 10-11, 2008.
===Black and white and color photos may be entered.
Any type of camera may be used.
Photos must be taken by the exhibitor.
Overall size of the exhibit, including mat, must be no larger than 11×14 and no smaller than
11×12 ½.
Photos must be permanently mounted on mount board or foam core board with photographic
mounting tissue, tape or spray. Poster board and rubber cement are not allowed.
Frames and glass are not permitted. No front mount framings are to be used.
No lettering is permitted on the front of the photo or mount. Dates are considered to be
lettering.
All entries must be in protective plastic. Clear two-gallon Ziploc bags or professional plastic
sleeves work well. Each entry must be placed in a separate bag. No plastic grocery bags.
Each entry must have a completed entry form attached to the center back of the entry.
Entries in the manipulated category please include a small photo (4×6) of the original photo(s).
Entries not adhering to contest rules will have points deducted from the score.
Exhibits will be released and returned via US Mail or UPS the week following the judging.
Please include return postage or prepaid UPS label and packaging with entry.
Any entry without return postage will become the property of Full Spectrum Imaging.
Official web site: fullspectrumimaging.web.officelive.com/photocontest.aspx
MAIL/SHIP ENTRIES TO:
Full Spectrum Imaging
Photo Contest
c/o 7082 SE 66th
Terr #B
Riverton KS 66770
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.