| Copyright | Participants should own the copyright of any photos they send. You can specify the license under which you want your image(s) to be released using the starter kit. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to anyone. |
| Finish | 27 August 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedTypography and icons are everywhere: they surround us, guide us, help us find the right path every day. We are looking for original, manually shot photographs of typography and public signage.
Prize:
- Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS (EOS 1000D)
Each participant can send at most three photos. Photos should not be already available elsewhere on the Web.
Specifications: Format: JPG; All photos should have a width of at least 700 pixels. The total file size of your submission should not exceed 15 MB.
How to submit:
- Please download the starter kit first.
- The starter kit folder contains a plain-text file,
details.txt. Please edit it by adding details about your submission. - Please name your photos meaningfully, and don’t use empty spaces or special characters.
- Please add your photo (or photos) to the folder. Do not include any advertisements.
- With your images in the folder, archive the folder as a ZIP file. The file should have a clear name (e.g. shining-airport-signage.zip).
- Please send your submission to contest {at} smashingmagazine {dot} com.
Official website: www.smashingmagazine.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.