| Copyright | WPO recognizes You, the author of the image, retain full ownership of the copyright in each Entry. All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by WPO, and its Event Partners, for marketing and promotional purposes of the event only, for a maximum of three years after the awards ceremony on 27th April 2011. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all Photographers entering a body of work, who are over 18. |
| Finish | 5 January 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThree distinct genres within photography are awarded:
- The Commercial
- Fine Art
- Photojournalism & Documentary
The Sony World Photography Awards Professional competition welcomes both published and unpublished work to be entered within each category listed under the three main genres.
Prizes:
Winner of “L’iris d’Or” – Best overall photograph will receive:
- Recipient of the title “Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of The Year"
- $25,000
- Entry into the “World Photographic Academy”
- Exhibition showcase of winning image and 25 picture portfolio at the 2012 Sony World Photography Awards
- Winning image will be exhibited on the Sony World Photography Awards’ website and promoted to creatives worldwide
- Flights to London, and 2 nights accommodation in a hotel and receive VIP tickets to attend the evening gala awards ceremony, taking place on the 27th of April, 2011
- Sony digital SLR camera equipment
Winners of each individual category will receive:
- Recipient of the title “Sony World Photography Awards category name Photographer of The Year"
- Flights to London, and 2 nights accommodation in a hotel and receive VIP tickets to attend the evening gala awards ceremony, taking place on the 27th of April, 2011
- Winning image will be exhibited on the Sony World Photography Awards’ website and promoted to creatives worldwide
- Sony digital SLR camera equipment
You may enter a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 images per category, and may enter as many categories as you wish, however you cannot enter the same series or images into more than one category. You may highlight a single “signature image” from each series. Judging will be based on the series of images entered for each category.
Official web site: http://www.worldphoto.org/competitions/professional/
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 — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
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.