| Copyright | The European Commission, Directorate General for Enlargement intends to use the 24 semi-finalist photos selected by the competition jury for its information and communication activities related to the information and communication project "Southeast Europe: People and Culture", including the publication of the photos on the "Southeast Europe: People and Culture" website and reproduction in related future promotional material. To that purpose, separate contracts will be concluded with the semi-finalists. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all citizens or permanent residents from the EU Member States and the Southeast European Candidate Countries (Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey) or Potential Candidates (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo. |
| Finish | 20 January 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
The photo should capture your view on "Southeast Europe: People and Culture". Your picture could, for example, fit any of the following categories:
- Art
- Dance & Theatre
- Film
- Gastronomy
- Literature
- Music
- Sports
The photos must portray the EU’s Candidate Countries or Potential Candidates from Southeast Europe, i.e. the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, as well as Kosovo*) or Turkey.
Przes:
The 24 best photos pre-selected by the jury will be exhibited in galleries in Madrid and in Brussels.
- First prize: a camera or other photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €3,000 and trips to the opening events of the above-mentioned photo exhibitions in Madrid and in Brussels in spring 2010.
- Second prize: a camera or other photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €2,000 and trips to the opening events of the above-mentioned photo exhibitions in Madrid and in Brussels in spring 2010.
- Third prize: a camera or other photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €1,000 and trips to the opening events of the above-mentioned photo exhibitions in Madrid and in Brussels in spring 2010.
- Public’s favourite award: a camera or other photographic equipment of a value not exceeding €1,000 and trips to the opening events of the above-mentioned photo exhibitions in Madrid and in Brussels in spring 2010.
===
The jury will evaluate the photos according to the following criteria:
- Visualisation of the competition theme
- Level of creativity and originality
- Photo composition
- Clarity of presentation
- General appeal of the image
The photos can be in colour or in monochrome and taken with a digital or film camera (if film is used, the photographs must be submitted as digital scans). The participants have the right to edit the photos. This means that the presentation of the motif may be manipulated in colour or in composition (montage, collage, touching-up, etc). Sharpening and correction of the tonal value are also permitted. Each participant may submit up to three photos to the competition.
The photos can only be submitted digitally. The photos must be of the following quality:
- Minimum 2480×3508 pixel / 21×29,7 cm (DIN A4) or 8MP
- maximum 7016×9933 pixel / 59.4×84.1 cm in 300dpi – please do not extrapolate in either JPEG or TIF format.
Official web site: http://www.southeast-europe.eu/photo-competition/how-to-enter.html
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.