| Copyright | By entering the contest, you grant GSA a perpetual, royalty-free license to use your photo, in any media, for standard government-related and other non-commercial purposes. If we select your photo as a winner, you grant GSA permission to edit, modify, format, or adapt your photo for GSA's purposes at GSA's sole discretion. GSA endeavors to give you credit for your photo whenever practicable. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to anyone. |
| Finish | 30 June 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedSubmit photos telling how you celebrate America and your photo may be featured on USA.gov, GobiernoUSA.gov, and our social media channels.
Prize:
- The USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov team will pick the ten best photos to feature on our sites.
How to Enter:
Post your best, original photo on the site of your choice (such as Flickr, Facebook, Photobucket, personal site, etc.) and make sure it is visible to the public.
- Fill out and submit the online entry form.
- Be sure to include the URL of your photo or else we can’t judge your entry.
- You can only submit one photo for the contest. We will delete additional entries.
Photo Guidelines:
Entries must be photographs, and not visual/graphic art manipulations. You must not excessively alter or change your photograph using photo editing software. Minor adjustments, including spotting, dodging and burning, sharpening, contrast and slight color adjustment, or the digital equivalents are acceptable. Photos must be in digital format. No print or film submissions will be accepted. You don’t need to take the photograph with a digital camera; we’ll accept scans of negatives, transparencies, or photographic prints. You must be able to provide GSA with an original photo file if you win.
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.