| Copyright | You choose the license on Flickr. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to amateur photographers. If you make your living full-time as a professional photographer, this is not the contest for you. For those who can make the last-minute plans necessary to BE at the game (Tallahassee, Florida, USA) on September 12th. |
| Finish | 21 August 2009 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
The whole idea here is to give an amateur photographer the experience of a lifetime and let them do something they may normally never get the chance to do.
- Scott Kelby & Mike Olivella will fly you down to Tallahassee Fl and put you up in a hotel.
- They will take you out to a fat steak dinner, where you will talk sports photography to your heart’s content.
- The next morning, on September 12th, you will go with them to an FSU College Football game with full media credentials so you can shoot the game from the sidelines right along with Scott & Mike!
- What’s more, they’re gonna set you up with a big fat professional lens (probably a nice 400mm F4… Full glass… Yeah!) to use for the day.
- You get to experience the game from the sidelines like a real pro sports shooter and go home with your memory cards packed full from the whirlwind "assignment." Plus, you’ll probably gain a couple pounds because that full media pass means that you’ll have access to the really sweet buffet set up folks don’t normally talk about.
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- This contest is NOT open to professional full-time photographers
- Your ONE photo upload to this group serves as your one and only entry.
- Just like in professional sports, there are NO do-overs!- Just as there is no crying in Baseball, there is no whining in this contest.
- Your photo entry can be of ~any~ sport (not just American Football)
- Last but not least…PLEASE enter this contest only if you will actually be able to make the last-minute plans necessary to ~be~ at the game on September 12th. Part of the whole "dream assignment" means you have to be ready to go at a moments notice.
Link to the flickr Group where you can upload your contest entry photo. The winner will be chosen and announced on Scott Kelby’s Blog on Monday, August 24th.
Offical web sites: Mike Olivella; Scott Kelby
http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/5848
http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2009/07/photo-contest-is-on.html
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 — 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.