| Copyright | By entering the Contest you also acknowledge and agree that your entry becomes available for display by WeSay.com. You also grant to WeSay.com the right to use and publish your name, likeness, photo, and photo title and description, both electronically (for example, on the Internet) and in print, in connection with the Contest at any time, except to the extent prohibited by law. You retain ownership of the photograph. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | In order to enter you must be a natural person and be age 14 or older. If you are under the age of 18 you must have the permission of your parent or legal guardian and they must have approved of and consented to you entering the Contest, submitting your photograph, and being bound by the Official Rules and Policies applying to the Contest. |
| Finish | 17 October 2008 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedEnter the WeSay Best of Citizen Photojournalism Photo Contest.
Unlike many other photo contests online, this one is totally FREE. You can win a real prize – one of THREE Apple iPhones for the grand prizes, one of three gift certificates for $100, $75 and $25 from Photographer’s Warehouse or a $68.95 Photo Book from dotPhoto. There will also be several Editor’s Choice awards issued. But most important of all, amateur photographers will be considered for publication on the homepage of an international news site – WeSay.com.
Categories:
1. News
Enter any news-related photograph.
Special Category: Community activism. Is there a pothole swallowing cars in your town? A dilapidated building that gives the area a worn-down image? Give us a photo of something that you think gives your town a black eye and needs to be fixed.
2. Politics
Enter any politically-related photograph.
Special Category: Political rallies. This is politics at the grass roots level. Who’s holding a rally in your town? Are they McCain or Obama supporters? How about a local candidate for commissioner or some other office? Take some photos and give them some coverage.
3. Environment
Enter any environmentally-related photograph.
Special Category: Who’s going green? Here’s an opportunity to spotlight someone in your town who is doing something to improve the environment. Are they installing solar panels? Driving a hybrid? Send us a photo and make them feel good for what they are doing to help solve global warming one person at a time.
4. Sports
Enter any sports-related photograph.
Special Category: Summer sports. It’s summer. It’s hot. Who in your town is out there playing sports in the summer heat? Give us some shots of local athletes of all ages who love to sweat and are active during the summer months.
5. Celebs
Enter any celebrity-related photograph.
Special Category: Local musicians. We’ve all seen thousands of photos of the big names acts from Britney Spears to Bruce Springsteen. What about the musicians in your town who are struggling to make a living and perhaps break out into the mainstream? Time to give them some recognition.
6. Far-Out
Enter any far-out photograph.
Special Category: Weird pets. They say pets are a reflection of their owner. Do you know some people who own weird pets? How about people who dress up their pets? Here’s a chance to get your own or someone else’s pet in the news.
We’re not looking for electronically manipulated photos.
===
Winners will be announced and their photographs displayed on the WeSay.com website on or before Oct. 30, 2008.
All eligible photographs entered in the Contest will be judged by WeSay.com based on (a) news value (b) emotional impact, (c) photographic quality (factors such as composition, perspective, exposure, and lighting that evidence technical skill in taking and Acceptable Editing of the photograph), and (d) the clarity, accuracy, and impact of their accompanying description.
In order to enter a photograph in the Contest, you must complete the WeSay.com Best of Citizen Journalism Photo Contest Official Entry Form. You will be allowed to upload five digital photographs in JPEG format at a resolution no larger than 640 by 480 pixels. You also will be required to enter your name and e-mail address, indicate the title of the photograph, provide a brief description of the photograph and the context in which it was taken, and indicate the category in which you wish to enter the photograph. You may enter up to five different photographs, but each photograph must be submitted separately using the WeSay.com Best of Citizen Journalism Photo Contest Official Entry Form.
Official web site: www.wesay.com/Contest/
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.