| Copyright | Their photographs may be reproduced for the purpose of marketing and promoting WPGA contests, in catalogs, posters, postcards, publications, and on the Internet. Such use is granted for period of at most two years after the announcement of the awards, and without any payment to the photographer or featured models. Photographers will receive photo credits with each use, and will allow WPGA to sub-license their photographs to the press for reproduction in connection with the contest and WPGA exhibitions. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers promoting equal participation by professionals, amateurs and students from all countries |
| Finish | 27 September 2009 |
| Entry fee | US$35 for a set of 3 images and US$10 for each additional image |
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Finished
Worldwide Photography Gala Award’s mission is to recognize exception photographers through exhibitions, publications and by extensively promoting their work.
Categories:
- Portrait: People and Figure
- Fine Art
- Landscape and Cityscape
- Abstract
- Digital Enhanced
- Documentary, including Reportage & Photojournalism
Prizes:
$ 5,000 cash prize fo the WPGA 2009 Photographer of the Year
$ 3,000 cash grant for the recipient of the Humanitarian Documentary Award
+ Paid travel from the country of origin and 3 days lodging in Madrid to attend the WPGA 2009 Exhibition, for both the Photographer of the Year and the recipient of the Humanitarian Documentary Grant
$ 400 cash prize for each Best in Category award
All awardees will be invited to exhibit their art in the exhibition in Madrid. All awardees will receive WPGA certificates, and their selected works will be published in the book WPGA 2009.
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Only online submissions are accepted.
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.