| Copyright | Ownership and copyright of ALL ENTRIES remain with the photographer. Participation in the contest grants Ocean Conservancy unlimited and non-exclusive use for Ocean Conservancy publications, website, products, and other uses to promote Ocean Conservancy's work. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers. |
| Finish | 31 January 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Subject matter must consist of marine wildlife or marine habitats, and must be photographed in a natural setting. Shots of aquariums, pools or other captive locations will not be accepted. Photographs of divers touching or stressing marine wildlife will not be accepted.
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: $750 gift certificate
- Second Place: $250 gift certificate
- Third Place: $75 gift certificate
- Honorable Mentions (up to 4 winners): Exclusive Ocean Conservancy T-shirt.
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A maximum of five (5) entries will be accepted per entrant.
Each entry can be in the following format:
- Photo CD (photos must be a 6" x 9" scan at 300dpi in a jpeg or tiff format): Photos must not be digitally altered outside of what can be done in a darkroom to be considered. Lo resolution will not be considered.
- Each entry must be labeled with the name of the photographer, the name, date and location of the subject, and be the property of the entrant
- A completed and signed entry form must accompany all submissions.
Send your entries with the completed and signed entry form below to:
Ocean Conservancy
Attn: Photo Contest
1300 19th Street, NW
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
Official web site: http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=photoContest
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.