| Copyright | Entrants retain all copyrights to entered photographs. Entrants grant the Organizer to use submitted photos for contest promotion. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, professional and amateur, with no restrictions based on age, gender or nationality. |
| Finish | 30 November 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
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Established in 1969, the Nikon Photo Contest International is one of the world’s most prestigious international photographic contests.It aims to provide an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike.
Photography is a universal language. Its timeless power transcends nationality, ethnicity and culture by communicating directly to the emotional core we all share. Without words, photographs speak to us all. That’s what makes photography so special and so important.
Categories:
- Free subject: Works that convey your unique perspective and creativity.
- Energy: Works that capture the energy of sights and subjects that inspire, motivate or excite you or viewers.
With these categories, we look forward to receiving expressive images from around the world that are true to people’s emotions.
Prizes:
- Grand Prize – Nikon D3S digital-SLR camera, AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED; Winning photo to be included in the Mini Gallery on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website
- First place – 1 from each category (2 all together) – Nikon D300S digital-SLR camera; SB-900 Speedlight; AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II; AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR;
- Second place – 5 from each category (10 all together) – Nikon D5000 digital-SLR camera; AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
- Third place – 10 from each category (20 all together) – Nikon D3000 digital-SLR camera; AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- Emerging Talent Award – 4 all together, regardless of category – Nikon COOLPIX P6000 digital camera; Photos to be included in the Mini Gallery on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website
- Emerging Talent Award runners up – 16 all together, regardless of category – Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj digital camera; Photos to be included in the Mini Gallery on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website
One person can submit up to 2 JPEG images for each category (a total of 4 images). You need to fill out the online entry form.
Accepted JPEG images are graphic files taken with digital still cameras (not including medium or large format digital cameras) and scanned data of photographs taken with 35mm film cameras or Advanced Photo System (APS) film cameras. Images that have been digitally edited with software are also accepted. Both color and black-and-white images are accepted.
Maximum size per JPEG image: 10MB (within 2,048 x 1,536 pixels or 1,536 x 2,048 pixels) If the image is larger than the size mentioned above, please compress the file to a maximum of 10MB before submitting. File Format: JPEG only.
Official website: www.nikon-npci.com
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 — 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.