| Copyright | Each contestant will retain copyrights. However, by entering the competition, contestants agree that they grant River to Well royalty-free use of the images for use in public exhibitions and displays, in media releases related to the contest, and in their printed and electronic publications. The contestants will be given full credit as the creator of their respective image(s) in all such displays and publications. All physical entries shall become property of River to Well. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Student, Amateur or Professional. Submit only in one of these divisions. International entries. |
| Finish | 15 September 2009 |
| Entry fee | 1 entry - $15; 2 entries - $25; 3 entries - $30 |
Finished
The 2009 River to Well Photo Competition will use 100% of the entry fees to build wells for villages that have no alternative to unsafe water and sanitation.
Prizes:
Winners will be selected for First, Second, and Third place for each division. A single Best in Show will also be selected for each of the three divisions. A River to Well Photo Competition Outdoor Exhibition will be held on the Lawrence ArtWalk weekend, October 10 -11, 2009 in Downtown Lawrence, KS in front of US Bank on 9th & Massachusetts street featuring all the winning photos. Details will be posted on www.rivertowell.com as
the event approaches. Prizes of valuable consideration (such as merchandise or gift certifcates) will be awarded to Best in Show selections and to other winning photographers according to the number of winners and availability of prizes.
Categories:
- PEOPLE: Individuals or groups engaged in daily life, festivals, ceremonies, etc.
- PLACES: Landscape, architecture, monuments, etc.
- CULTURAL TRACES: Still life of utilitarian objects, icons, artifacts, etc. which are unique and/or intrinsic to a particular culture (**Must be taken OUTSIDE of the United States)
- FLORA & FAUNA: Plants and animals
- BLACK & WHITE/MONOCHROMATIC
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Format:
All digital entries must be submitted online at www.rivertowell.com. Digital entries must be in JPEG format, no less than 250 dpi, and no greater than 5mb in size. If saved through Photoshop, the quality must be set to no less than 10. All physical entries submitted must be printed on high quality photo paper (including, but not limited to, inkjet, silver negative, and conventional color processing) and must not exceed a size and shape of 8 X 10 to the River to Well address listed below. Slides, transparencies, or any other media will not be accepted.
Submit: http://www.rivertowell.com/submit.php
Official web site: http://www.rivertowell.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.