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TBM “The Portrait” Photography Contest

FinishedTheme: "The Portrait"

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The human face has always attracted photographers as a vast resource for photographic expression. All of life’s special moments can be seen through a person’s smile or frown. TBM is seeking those images that best represent the human face as it displays human feelings like joys or sorrows.

Prizes:

  1. First Place Winner – $500 (U.S.)
  2. Second Place Winner- $250 (U.S.)
  3. Third Place Winner $125 (U.S.)
  4. 3 (three) Honorable Mentions – will be displayed on the TBM website.

You can enter up to four (4) images. (Black & white and color photos)

Judging criteria:
25% credit to adherence to theme of contest
25% credit to originality of thought
25% to artistic interpretation
25% to photographic skills.

Submission Details:
Both color and b&w pictures are accepted. Please submit all images on line. Only JPEG files will be accepted. Images with watermarks, captions and/or borders will not be accepted. The size of the images should be 800 pixels as the largest dimension (width or height.) All layers should be flattened and have a jpg compression quality of 7or 8. Images should be saved with a resolution of 72ppi. Images will be viewed as sRGB profiles. File names should be in the following format: Lastname_Firstname_image1.jpg, Lastname_Firstname_image2.jpg, etc. Do not use special characters.

Official web site: terabellamedia.com/contest

Frequently asked questions — Portrait photography contests

Who can enter portrait photography contests?

Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.

Are portrait photography contests free to enter?

Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?

Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.

How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?

Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.

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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