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The 50th annual Communication Arts Photography Competition

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Enter the most prestigious competition for creativity in photography, the 50th annual Communication Arts Photography Competition.  Selected by a nationally representative jury of distinguished designers, art directors and photographers, the winning entries will be published in Sept/Oct 2009 issue. Over 70,000 copies of the Photography Annual will be distributed worldwide, assuring important exposure to the creators of this outstanding work. As a service to art directors, designers and art buyers, a comprehensive index will carry telephone numbers, e-mail and Web addresses of the photographers represented.

Categories:

  • Advertising
  • Books
  • Editorial
  • For Sale
  • Institutional
  • Multimedia
  • Self-Promotion
  • Unpublished

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The judging process is a two-part system: screening and finals. In screening, the jurors are divided into multiple groups and each category is distributed equally amongst them. Judges are not permitted to vote on work they were directly involved in. In order to move to the final round an entry must get a majority vote of a screening group. Each juror views the entries independently. Print entries are spread out on rows of tables and digital media is projected on a large screen. For the final round the judges are brought back together as one group. Each judge votes "in" or "out" on each entry. After the judges make their selections, their votes are tallied. A simple majority is usually required for a finalist to be selected a winner.

Official web site with rules, requirements and FAQ:

http://www.commarts.com/competitions/photography

 

Frequently asked questions — Art photography contests

Who can enter art photography contests?

Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.

Are art photography contests free to enter?

Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do art photography contests offer?

Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.

How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?

Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.

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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