| Copyright | Entrants retain all copyrights and other equivalent rights to entered photographs, however the organizer will possess rights as stated below: The organizer reserves the permanent nonexclusive right to publish, reproduce, display, distribute, and show on screen any winning photograph on websites, photo exhibitions, tradeshows, or any other media which is under the management of the organizer for the purpose of promoting the contest. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, professional or amateur, from any part of the world. |
| Finish | 30 November 2008 |
| Entry fee | Free |
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The Nikon Photo Contest International has been held by Nikon Corporation since 1969 to provide an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike.
"At the heart of the image" is not only the brand statement of Nikon Imaging Company, but it is also the theme for the 32nd contest, in which entries are invited in two categories. The first category is free subject and the second is entitled "My Planet" and entries to each category are accepted as prints sent by conventional mail or as JPEG images sent via the Internet. With this theme and these categories, we look forward to receiving expressive images from around the world that are true to people’s emotions.
The Grand Prize will be awarded for the most outstanding photograph out of all the entries, regardless of category. The NIKKOR 75th Anniversary Award will be awarded for the most outstanding photograph displaying an exceptional use of the lens and its functions, regardless of category. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be awarded to the 16 winners in each category.
The Emerging Talent Award will be presented to photographers under the age of 30 (born on or after January 1st, 1979) for photographs which are outstanding, yet have not been awarded a Grand, NIKKOR 75th Anniversary, 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize. Such photographs will be selected for their ability to communicate a fresh perspective, demonstrate high-level expressive power and convey the energy of youth.
Winners will receive as prizes top Nikon cameras:
- Nikon Digital SLR Camera D300
- Nikon Digital SLR Camera D300
- Nikon Digital SLR Camera D80
- Nikon Digital SLR Camera D60
- Nikon Compact Digital Camera COOLPIX P5100
- Nikon Compact Digital Camera COOLPIX S52c
and lens:
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR
- AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor ED 10.5mm F2.8G
- AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-300mm F4.5-5.6G (IF)
- AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED
- AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED
- AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G (IF)
- AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ED 105mm F2.8G (IF)
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR
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Only original photographs that have not been previously published, for which the entrant possesses all necessary rights will be accepted as valid entries.
Rules for JPEG entries.
Rules for Print entriea.
Official web site: imaging.nikon.com
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.