| Copyright | Lens Culture recognizes you retain full ownership of the copyright in each photograph. All winners, including Honorable Mention winners, understand that the photograph(s) submitted to the competition may be used by Lens Culture, to conduct and promote the Lens Culture International Exposure Awards competition. You hereby grant Lens Culture with a right to use the photograph in the framework of such promotional activities. Any photograph used by Lens Culture shall carry a credit line. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide, 18 years of age or older as of July 15, 2009. |
| Finish | 15 September 2009 |
| Entry fee | $35 single image entry; $55 two to five images entry; $75 Portfolio Award entry (10-15 images). |
Finished
We’re looking for exciting images from every continent, and from diverse points of view: documentary, fine art, photojournalism, street photography, poetic, personal, abstract and human.
Categories:
- Portfolio Award
Submit 10 to 15 photographic images that are linked — thematically, aesthetically, as a story, or simply as a range of your photographic talent. Edit your selections carefully, since this category will be judged on the strength of the group of photographs as a whole, and not as individual photographs. - Single Image Photo Awards — All Categories
Submit one to five photos to be considered for the Single Image Photo Awards. Often, a single powerful photograph captures our attention as important, artistic, meaningful, and memorable. A great photo can stand on its own, demonstrating a remarkable level of visual perception, sensitivity, and creativity.
- Cash Totaling $3,250
- $1,500 Portfolio Award (10-15 Images)
- $1,000 Single Image First Prize; $500 Single Image Second Prize; $250 Single Image Third Prize;
- 25 Single Image Honorable Mentions
- Media and online exposure through photo features in Lens Culture online magazine
- Coverage in the Lens Culture blog and in our subscribers’ newsletter
- Get your work seen by our influential international jury.
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Applicants must submit their photos to us online at: http://lensculture.slideroom.com. You will be prompted to register for a free account at the entry site. For good image quality and fast upload, your image files should be less than 2 MB each, and sized around 1024 x 768 pixels @ 72 ppi. Our online portal offers additional instruction for submitting work.
Official web site: http://www.lensculture.com/contest.html
http://www.lensculture.com/contest-2009-FAQs.html
http://www.lensculture.com/contest-2009-rules.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 — 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.