| Copyright | All entries become the sole property of AVIATION WEEK. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | The contest is open to any photographer, amateur or professional who is at least 18 years of age. |
| Finish | 29 September 2008 |
| Entry fee | $50.00 (U.S.) for submission of up to 10 photos. For each additional photo submitted, add $5.00 (U.S.) per photo. |
Finished
You could be the next winner of our All-Digital Aviation Photo Contest. Winning photos will be included in a special section in our Photo Contest double issue, December 22/29, 2008. As an Aviation Week & Space Technology award-winning photographer, you will receive cash prizes, wide exposure for your work and the kind of recognition that comes to a select few.
“Best of the Best” Competition
Four First-Place winners plus two Runners-Up in each of the Civil, Military, Space and General Aviation categories will be selected for a total of 12 prize winners. In addition, a Grand Prize winner will be chosen.
“BEST OF THE BEST” CONTEST PRIZES
Grand Prize (1 winner)
1) $1,000 award;
2) Winning photo featured in the magazine with photographer’s portrait and biography and possible inclusion on the front cover;
3) 100 copies of entire December 22/29, 2008, issue;
4) Recognition on AviationWeek.com
First Place (4 winners; one in each of 4 categories)
1) $500 award;
2) Winning photo featured in the magazine with photographer’s portrait and short biography;
3) Recognition on AviationWeek.com
Second Place (4 winners; one in each of 4 categories)
1) $250 award;
2) Winning photo featured in the magazine with photographer’s portrait and short biography;
3) Recognition on AviationWeek.com
Third Place (4 winners; one in each of 4 categories)
1) $100 award;
2) Winning photo featured in the magazine with photographer’s portrait and short biography;
3) Recognition on AviationWeek.com
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Photos of any aviation/aerospace or airline subject, actual objects, events or people are acceptable. Photographs of paintings are not acceptable. Electronically retouched or altered digital images are not acceptable. No slides, transparencies or prints will be accepted.
Only photography shot after October 1, 2007, may be submitted. Photos must be submitted in JPG format and be suitable for magazine-quality printing at high resolution. JPG submissions and captions must be uploaded to the Aviation Week Photo Contest web site at www.aviationweek.com/photo. Each image submitted must have a caption that provides a full description of the subject or event.
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.