| Copyright | By entering the competition, Participants grant Magnum Photos an irrevocable, non-exclusive, worldwide royalty-free license to reproduce, publicly display, distribute, publicly perform and create derivative works from their Submitted Materials, in all media, solely in connection with the administration, judging and promotion of the Magnum Expression Award. Submited Materials will NOT be used for commercial advertising purposes and will NOT be altered without the prior consent of the author. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers over the age of 18. |
| Finish | 31 August 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
The goal is raising awareness and inspiring change through projects using photography as an expressive medium. Its mission is to discover and illuminate compelling documentary photography.
Awards:
- The chosen photographer will receive:
• A $10,000 grant to support the continuation of his or her work.
• Mentorship from Magnum jury photographers.
• HP’s latest HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer.
• The opportunity to work with the Magnum in Motion creative production team to produce a multimedia essay of the project.
• Production sponsorship of a solo exhibition printed on HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer Series.
• $3,000 credit for production of the photographer’s essay in book form, in collaboration with Blurb.com and printed on HP Indigo printers.
• A PhotoShelter Pro Account with 100GB storage and customizable website, for one year. - Honorable mention recipients will receive:
• An HP Photosmart Photo printer and a suite of media for studio printing.
• $1,000 credit for production of each photographer’s essay in book form, in collaboration with Blurb.com and printed on HP Indigo printers.
• A PhotoShelter basic account with 10GB storage and 5GB a month hi-res bandwidth, for one year. - Finalists will receive:
• $200 contribution towards production of each photographer’s essay in book form, in collaboration with Blurb.com and printed on HP Indigo printers.
• A PhotoShelter basic account with 10GB storage and 5GB a month hi-res bandwidth.
Criteria for Evaluation:
- Excellence and inventiveness in building a photographic narrative.
- Singularity of vision and compassion for the subjects.
- Ability to produce a thought-provoking visual presentation.
Each entrant may submit from 8 to 15 images to illustrate a single photographic essay. Entry images must be submitted at, or be available at, sufficiently high resolution so that they can be printed at a standard acceptable for display in printed media.
Official website: expression.magnumphotos.com
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 — 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.