| Copyright | By entering the contest, each entrant gives the Legatum Center the non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free right to publish his or her photo(s) in our brochures and other print marketing and promotional materials, website, presentations, electronic marketing and promotional materials, fundraising materials, and for internal office use. The entrant retains copyright to all photos and will be credited if they are used by the Legatum Center. If the Legatum Center uses a photo for any other use, or uses a photo that is not a winner or an honorable mention, the photographer will be notified. The Legatum Center is a non-profit, educational organization. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to amateur and professional photographers from around the world. |
| Finish | 13 September 2009 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Theme: Women’s Entrepreneurship: Empowerment through Innovation
We are looking for photographs that
- depict women in low-income countries engaging in entrepreneurial activities, and
- showcase transformative technologies and innovative uses of technology.
Categories:
- » Global: Photographers from any country submit photos taken in any developing nation.
- » Spotlight – India: Residents of India submit photos taken in India
- » Spotlight – Kenya: Residents of Kenya submit photos taken in Kenya
- » Spotlight – Mexico: Residents of Mexico submit photos taken in Mexico
Prizes
One (1) winning photo will be chosen for each category, for a total of four (4) winning photos.
Each winner will receive:
- $500
- Photograph featured on the Legatum Center’s award-winning website
- Photograph displayed and name announced at the Legatum Center’s Annual Conference on October 2, 2009
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Photos must be submitted as jpeg images using the online entry form. Photos should be at minimum 1819×2598 pixels and high resolution (300 dpi), and should be submitted with a title and caption, as prompted by the entry form. Entrants may submit more than one photo.
Official web site: http://decompetition.mit.edu/contest.htm
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.