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Call for Entries: Black & White Photography

FinishedWhat does "black and white" mean to contemporary photographers in the digital age? Are the implications and meanings of black and white still central to photography’s unique nature as a visual medium?

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Portraits, fashion, editorial, landscapes, documentary, conceptual – all of these genres, and others not named, are open for consideration. Prints should take whatever form they need to in order to represent the continuum of tones, including gray tone, warm tone, cool tone, sepia, or other monochromes that comprise your photographs.

Awards:

  • First place Award: $300;
  • Second place Award: $200;
  • Third place Award: $100;
  • Selected images will hang in the Mpls Photo Center galleries along with photographers from throughout the world. All exhibitors are included in the Mpls Photo Center’s online gallery.

Follow this link to submit your work: Mpls Photo Center Smart Entry System All entries are submitted via our on-line system.

To prepare your images for uploading, please adhere to the following image file specifications:

  • sRGB or RGB color space (standard) – NOT CMYK (typically used by printing industry)
  • save files to 72 ppi resolution; any layers flattened, 8 bit JPEG files (16 bit will not upload.)
  • sized to 1,280 pixels on the longest side, the other size width or height proportional
  • JPG format, compression at level 7 (medium). This compression level will not affect the quality of images viewed on a monitor.
  • Use period preceding jpg in the file name. The following characters will lead to image uploading problems: !@#$%^&*()_+

Official website: http://www.mplsphotocenter.com/exhibits/exhibit-competitions.php

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.

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