| Copyright | All participants agree to allow the European Commission to use their photographs for information and promotional purposes. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all professional and amateur photographers who are residents of an EU Member State or candidate country or of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, regardless of their sex, age or nationality. |
| Finish | 31 August 2009 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
To participate in the competition, you need to use your camera to show others your vision of the future. Take pictures of what you think the future holds for you, Europe or the world. This is not only a chance to show what you can do as a photographer, but also an opportunity to convey your own message about the future and to inspire others to make use of their own talent and creative potential. As well as being recognised for your talent on a European level, you can win prizes such as a camera or photographic equipment and a trip to Stockholm for the closing ceremony of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.
Prizes:
- The first prize is a camera or photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €5,000 and a trip to Stockholm to the closing ceremony of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.
- The second prize is a camera or photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €2,000 and a trip to Stockholm to the closing ceremony of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.
- The third prize is a camera or photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €1,000 and a trip to Stockholm to the closing ceremony of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.
- The winner of the “People’s Favourite Award” will receive a camera or photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €2,000 and a trip to Stockholm to the closing ceremony of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.
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Award criteria
- Interpretation of the theme "Imagine a new world"
- Creativity, primarily regarding the content and composition of the photographs submitted. Technical aspects including editing will be considered as an added value where their use helps to express the photographer’s ideas or to enhance the value of the content of the images
- Coherence, artistic quality and personal style of the photographer
- Broad appeal of the image
Requirements:
- The photographs can be in colour or in monochrome and taken with a digital or film camera (if film is used, the photographs must be submitted as digital scans). You have the right to edit your picture including manipulating colour or composition, montage, collage or touching-up, re-sharpening or correcting the tonal value.
- Photographs must be submitted by being digitally uploaded through the online entry form in both of the following presentations:
- previews (255×369 pixel / 9×13 cm in 72 dpi) uploaded in the online entry form in either JPEG or TIF format; and
- digital photographs (minimum 21×29,7 cm (DIN A4) / 2480×3508 pixel, maximum 7016×9933 pixel / 59.4×84.1 cm in 300dpi – please do not extrapolate) uploaded through the online entry form in either JPEG or TIF format.
- Contributions must have a title and can include a short explanation using a maximum of 150 characters.
Participants are asked to submit 2-4 images related to the theme "Imagine a new world"
Official web site: www.imagine2009.eu
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.