| Copyright | Copyright and all other rights remain that of the photographer. Any photograph used by IPA shall carry the photographer's credit line. Use may include publication in any IPA media sponsor publication. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to anyone 18 years of age or older, from any country. |
| Finish | 30 June 2010 |
| Entry fee | From $15 to $35 for single image |
Finished
The International Photography Awards conducts an annual competition for professional, non- professional, and student photographers on a global scale, creating one of the most ambitious and comprehensive competitions in the contemporary world of photography. The IPA is determined to recognize and award photography’s leading talent who are creating, shaping and changing the world of photography today.
THE WINNER OF INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Lucie Statue
- $10,000 cash prize Provided by AtEdge
- Show in an esteemed gallery
- Two free tickets to the Lucie Awards
- Work screened at the Lucie Awards
- Published in the IPA Annual
- Certificate of Achievement
- Press release and newsletter announcements to over 50,000 IPA members
THE WINNER OF DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Lucie Statue
- $5,000 cash prize Provided by Blurb
- Show in an esteemed gallery
- Two free tickets to the Lucie Awards
- Work screened at the Lucie Awards
- Published in the IPA Annual
- Certificate of Achievement
- Press release and newsletter announcements to over 50,000 IPA members
THE WINNER OF DEEPER PERSPECTIVE OF THE YEAR WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Lucie Statue
- $5,000 cash prize
- Two free tickets to the Lucie Awards
- Work screen at the Lucie Awards
- Published in the IPA Annual
- Certificate of Achievement
- Press release and newsletter announcements to over 50,000 IPA members
See categories here.
Professionals must submit their work online or via CD. Digital files are required and prints may only be submitted as visual reference. Digital submissions must be no longer than 800 pixels on the longest side and saved as Jpegs (.jpg), in RGB format and not exceed 4MB each file.
Non-professionals and students may submit prints and/or digital files. Prints should not exceed 11×14 inches in size. Do not submit original prints. Digital submissions must be no longer than 800 pixels on the longest side and saved as Jpegs (.jpg), in RGB format and not exceed 4MB each file.
Official web site: www.photoawards.com
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.