| Copyright | When you submit images to us, you agree that we may use them to promote the competition, issue to media to promote the competition, and feature them (if chosen) in TPOTY books, exhibitions and the website. We do not restrict what else you do with your images, and if we are approached to use your images in a way which is not to promote TPOTY, we negotiate a fee on your behalf or put you in touch direct with the person interested in your images. By entering TPOTY we ask that you allow us to use your images to promote the awards, in press coverage of TPOTY, in our exhibitions and in the TPOTY books. For any other usage we either ask your permission to negotiate a fee on your behalf or put the person/organisation wishing to use the image in direct contact with you. |
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| Eligibility | Open to anyone except those directly involved in the organisation and judging. Any photographer, amateur and professional, aged 17 years and over from any country can enter the three Portfolio categories and the One Shot category. The New Talent, First Shot and Young travel Photographer of the Year categories all have restrictions on entry as follows: New Talent is for photographic students, amateur or semi-professional photographers only. Professional photographers are not eligible to enter this category and photographic status will be checked before any prizes are awarded. First Shot category is for amateur photographers only. Young Travel Photographer of the Year is for photographers aged 16 and under. |
| Finish | 22 September 2009 |
| Entry fee | From £10 to £20 |
Finished
Travel Photographer of the Year 2009 features three portfolio categories – Homeland, Natural Wonders and People of the World, and a One Shot category, on the theme Festival, Fiesta and Celebration.
In addition, it features New Talent, the award for students or those who want to start a career in photography, the First Shot beginners’ single image category, and Young TPOTY (for kids with cameras). There are even prizes for the best individual images within each of the portfolio categories, so plenty of chances for you to win a great prize, and the prestige of being a TPOTY winner!
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You can enter all the categories that you are eligible for as many times as you like. A portfolio is a set of images which fit together to tell a story with a theme. All TPOTY portfolios are four (4) images. Entries shot on either film or digital cameras are eligible for all categories. First Shot is for images shot on mobile phones, compact cameras and basic SLRs only. Images shot on mobile phones will not be accepted for any other categories.
Entering prints – download an Entry Form, fill in and send it to us with your prints.
Entering online – if you are entering online you will fill out an entry form as part of this process so you do not need to download an entry form.
Submitting images online? Follow this link to start uploading your photographs.
Official web site: tpoty.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 — 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.