| Copyright | BJP and the AOP reserve the right to display, reproduce and publish in any media, any entry, without payment, for the sole purpose of the BJP International Photography Award and exhibition – this year and in future – and its promotion and publicity. No copyright is transferred to the BJP or the AOP in respect of any works entered or accepted. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Anyone can enter, amateur or professional, from the UK or abroad. |
| Finish | 11 September 2009 |
| Entry fee | £25 for a series or £5 for a single image |
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Finished
BJP is calling for entries to its fifth International Photography Award – a juried competition with a total prize fund worth more than £13,000 ($25,000/€16,500).
You have TWO chances to win, because there are TWO categories – one recognising an outstanding body of work, the other an outstanding single image (you can also enter more than once).
- The single image winner will win a SIGMA DP2 – a professional compact digital.
- The body of work winner will win a LEAF CAMERA – exact model TBC.
The winning body of work and the single image will be given a solo show at a leading London photography gallery, printed by one of Europe’s top fine art laboratories. Both winners will also feature in British Journal of Photography.
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To enter a body of work
Submit a series of between 12 and 30 images on CD, together with an entry form and a fee of £25 (also payable in Euros or US dollars, priced €30 or $40).
To enter a single image
You will be asked to submit the £5 fee (also payable in Euros or US dollars, priced €6 or $8) via PayPal and will then be able to upload a single image plus text and contact details.
Uploaded images should be 72dpi and 1200 pixels on their longest edge. Images should be between 3MB and 5MB in size. However images should be available at 300dpi for exhibition at the AOP. Photographers are welcome to submit more than one image, but must pay and upload separately for each.
Photographers who wish to enter more than one image must complete this procedure for each one.
The images can be shot in any format, using any camera model, on film or digital. If you are entering a series of images, please indicate the viewing order, if appropriate. Please label each image with surname_firstname01/02/03 as appropriate. Full contact details should also be inserted into the pull-down-file information box, for example at File>File Info in Photoshop.
Captions or a short text can be included with the photographs. Please include this as a Word document with the CD or fill in the appropriate box in the upload area. Please make clear to which image each piece of text refers. The text can be a maximum of 200 words long per image.
Official web site: http://www.bjp-online.com/public/showPage.html?page=bjp_awards_entry
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.