| Copyright | Photographers entering our contest retain all rights to their work. By submitting, photographers grant, if they are chosen as a winner of an award: publication rights to the Center for Railroad Photography & Art for the purposes of print and Internet articles announcing the award’s winners and unlimited publication rights to the Center for Railroad Photography & Art for the purposes of documenting, promoting, preserving, and presenting the award; one-time publication rights to Railfan & Railroad magazine for the purposes of an article announcing the Award’s winners; use in an exhibition at the California State Railroad Museum. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers. |
| Finish | 31 December 2009 |
| Entry fee | There is no fee for members of the Center; there is a $10 entry fee for non-members. This fee will be waived with a new application for membership. |
Finished
Theme: "Beyond the Locomotive"
This year’s theme challenges the photographer to understate (or even eliminate) the locomotive in the photograph and emphasize other aspects of the railroad environment. Throughout the history of railroad photography, some of the most memorable images are devoid of trains all together.
Awards
The Center and co-sponsor Canon will award prizes totaling $2,000. The winning photos will form an exhibition at the California State Railroad Museum, and Railfan & Railroad magazine will publish a selection of the top photos in its “Photo Line” feature. The Center will include a contest announcement in its journal, Railroad Heritage, and it may add the photographers’ work to its traveling exhibition, and the railroadheritage.org Web portal.
First Place: Canon EOS 50D digital camera body
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $300
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Photographers will be judged on their ability to demonstrate creative, technical, and interpretative excellence in new and unusual ways. We want to encourage the caliber of work that is suitable for gallery and museum display.
Photographs must have been made with a film or digital camera after December 31, 2006. A photographer may submit up to five black and white or color photos that represent an innovative approach. Please submit digital image files: high resolution scans of prints, slides or negatives; or native camera files.
Submitting Images for Judging
- Save at JPEG format using “high” or “8” quality setting
- 1024 pixels (at 72 dpi) in the larger dimension, with the smaller dimension sized proportionally
- Send as attachments in a single e-mail to [email protected]
- Include your full name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number, and the dates your photos were taken in your submission e-mail
Official web site: http://www.railphoto-art.org/award2010.html
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.