| Copyright | You are granting us an irrevocable, worldwide right and license to: (i) use, review, assess, test and otherwise analyze your entry and all its content in connection with this Contest; and (iii) feature your entry and all its content in connection with the promotion of this Contest in all media (now known or later developed); |
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| Eligibility | Open to those who are 16 years of age or older; and who are actively enrolled as a student at an accredited educational institution that grants high-school or college/university (or equivalent) degrees at any time between January 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009. You cannot be a resident of any of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. |
| Finish | 1 April 2009 |
| Entry fee | Free |
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Finished
Imagine Cup 2009 is a skill contest designed to recognize students who demonstrate excellence in a diverse range of technical and artistic pursuits, and seeks innovative contest entries that address the Contest Theme:
Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems facing us today.
Some might use technology to help a brother or sister get an education. Or find entirely new approaches for medicine. Or discover ways to counter the inequalities that exist between genders around the world. These students might ensure the sustainability of our planet or help deliver universal primary education.
Great photographers know a single image can change the world. In this competition, students communicate a story that explores a critical issue through a photo essay of inspiring still images. The photos must grab the audience and illustrate the students’ personal insight into these global issues.
PRIZES
- Six (6) Finalist Prizes. All Finalists will receive a trip to Cairo, Egypt to compete in the Worldwide Imagine Cup 2009 Finals. Trip includes round trip air travel, hotel accommodations and select meals.
- One (1) First Place Prize: $8,000 USD
- One (1) Second Place Prize: $4,000 USD
- One (1) Third Place Prize: $3,000 USD
The Organizer of this Contest is Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA, 98052 U.S.A.
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If you wish to participate in this Competition, you must register at www.imaginecup.com as instructed during the Registration Period either individually, or as a member of a Team. If you wish to register as an individual, at time of registration, you will need to create a Team and join it as an individual. If you wish to register as a member of a Team, at time of registration, you must identify your Team. You cannot change Teams or otherwise remove yourself or anyone else from you Team after the close of the Registration Period.
A Team may consist up to two (2) eligible students (each a “Team”). Your Team does not need to consist of members who are legal residents of the same country/region, or students at the same school, but your Team can only represent one (1) country/region. It is recommended, but not required that you have one (1) mentor for your Team, in addition to your two (2) Team members. Limit one (1) mentor per Team.
Round 1 Qualifying
During Round 1, your Team must create and submit a photo essay of up to twelve (12) pictures that presents a compelling story relating directly to the eight (8) UN Millennium Goals, and is submitted as a single electronic file no more than 25 MB in size in the Microsoft PowerPoint format, or other standard photo essay display format. Each picture within the photo essay must meet the following requirements:
Maximum longest dimension: 1024 pixels
Picture file format: JPEG
Color Space: sRGB
Round 2 Semi Finals
During Round 2, your Team (if you are invited to advance to compete in Round 2) must create and submit a photo essay of up to twelve (12) pictures that captures and communicates the 2009 Imagine Cup 2009 Theme: “Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems facing us today,” submitted as a single electronic file no more than 25 MB in size in the Microsoft PowerPoint format, or other standard photo essay display format. Each picture within the photo essay must meet the following requirements:
Maximum longest dimension: 1024 pixels
Pictures file format: JPEG
Color Space: sRGB
Round 3 Worldwide Finals
During Round 3, your Team (if you are invited to advance to compete in Round 3) will compete in a Round 3 Challenge. Your participation in the Round 3 Challenge will be subject to the Round 3 Challenge Details that we will establish and provide to you on-site at the Worldwide Finals.
Only one (1) entry per Team is accepted.
Official web site: imaginecup.com/Competition/mycompetitionportal.aspx?competitionId=25
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.