| Copyright | ALL ENTRANTS retain full copyright of their submitted entries. By participating, ALL ENTRANTS grant the Sponsor and their designees, licensees or affiliates (the "Authorized Parties") a non-exclusive, worldwide license, through May 31, 2009, to post the entries online so that viewers may view all competing entries. |
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| Eligibility | Open to people of all ages from around the world. |
| Finish | 15 March 2009 |
| Entry fee | From $10 to $25, depends on the date of entry. |
Finished
Take that amazing image during Inauguration week, or find one you have already shot that captures the spirit of the Presidential Campaign, and the Election. Amateur and professional photographers anywhere in the world are invited to enter the fotobamaweek contest. You may not have a front row seat to the Swearing-In Ceremony, but what about that impromptu moment captured at a campaign rally, or election night at your own private party? Iconic impressions are yours for the taking, wherever you are, here in Washington or abroad. Enter photos taken with digital, film or even cell phone cameras, but please submit them electronically.
The Professional and Amateur entry categories are:
- Presidential Campaign and Election from January 1, 2007 through January 14, 2009. Images taken can be of anyone or place capturing the spirit of the campaign trail, public rallies, community or private events and the election night. Images must be unpublished.
- The Inauguration Week from January 15 through January 21, 2009. Images taken can be of anyone or place capturing the spirit of the week of Inauguration, including the Official Inauguration activities in Washington DC, events anywhere in the US or any place in the world. Images must be unpublished.
Prizes:
The following prizes will be awarded in each of the following entry categories:
a). Professional: Presidential Campaign and Election
b). Professional: Inauguration Week
c). Amateur: Presidential Campaign and Election
d). Amateur: Inauguration Week
FIRST PLACE CATEGORY AWARD: One (1): $750.00 award.
SECOND PLACE CATEGORY AWARD: One (1): $250.00 award.
BEST IN SHOW: One Best in Show Award will be given to the image that best captures the spirit of the Inauguration or the Presidential Campaign and Election. The Best in Show winner will be awarded $1,000.00.
Total value of awards: $5,000.00.
The top 100 winning images, selected by The Newseum’s panel of judges, will be exhibited at The Newseum, located on historic Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol and the White House. In addition, the 100 winning images will be published in a limited edition book sponsored by FotoWeek DC, and grand prize winners will be announced at a reception at The Newseum. All images submitted will be on display at FotoWeekDC’s on-line gallery, along with People’s Choice winners.
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- The Professional Class: open to all professional photographers. A professional photographer is a photographer, who derives at least fifty (50%) of his/her income from photography-based work.
- The Amateur Class: an Amateur photographer is a photographer, who does not derive fifty percent (50%) of his/her income from photography-based work. This class is open to individuals of any age.
Judging Criteria
- creative vision (34%)
- originality (33%)
- technical competence as appropriate to the category (33%)
Each Entry consists of an entry form, a single image and the appropriate entry fee. The entrant may enter as many images as he or she would like.
All entries must be submitted electronically, at the official website:
www.fotoweekdc.org. There is no mail-in method of entry. Once the registration process has been completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Simply log onto the website and follow the online instructions to upload images from your computer. Images formatted in JPEG or TIFF are preferred. Images in color, black and white, sepia, or that have been digitally manipulated will be accepted as long as the origin of the image was photographic. Images may be color profiled in sRGB, Adobe-1998, or not color-managed. For more information on electronic submission guidelines, please contact [email protected].
Official web site: fotoweekdccontest.org/about.shtml
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.