| Copyright | All images submitted as part of the competition may be used for up to five years by Shoot Experience, Plan International and MTV for publicity and marketing purposes to promote Shoot Nations on their websites and printed materials including brochures, calendars and exhibitions. The copyright remains yours. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to 25 or under year olds, international. |
| Finish | 31 July 2009 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedShoot Nations 2009 is addressing the theme of ‘Growing up in the 21st century’. The goal is to build a global picture of the challenges facing young people in terms of the limitations and opportunities that come with being born male or female.
Express your feelings on the following three briefs (you can submit 1 photo per brief):
- Because I am a Girl / Because I am a Boy (pick one)
- What’s holding me back?
- What could I be?
Prizes:
All ages:
- Best Overall Photo (digital SLR camera)
- Best Overall Drawing/Design (digital camera)
Ages 11 to 16:
Best Photo per Brief (Future map and National Geographic subscription)
- Because I am a Girl / Because I am a Boy (pick one)
- What’s holding me back?
- What could I be?
Ages 17 to 25:
Best Photo per Brief (Future map and National Geographic subscription)
- Because I am a Girl / Because I am a Boy (pick one)
- What’s holding me back?
- What could I be?
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You can enter up to three photos. Please caption your entries to explain what they are about. Your photos must be of a reasonably large file size and high quality – minimum file size 1 megabyte and maximum file size 7 megabytes. Your photos must be in Jpeg format.
Upload your photos: http://www.shootnations.org/upload
Official web site: http://www.shootnations.org/competition/info
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.