| Copyright | Photographers will retain full copyright to, and ownership of, their submitted photography. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 1 October 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
PhotoPhilanthrophy believes in the power of photography to inspire hope and understanding and to connect people around the world. Submitted photos must depict the work of a charitable organization (designated by 501c3 in the US, or international equivalent) and be presented as a photo essay. For all submissions, collaboration with the charitable organization will be verified. For this reason it is mandatory to submit a contact name and email of the person you worked with at the organization.
Categories:
- Professional Photographer: Any individual who earns the majority of their living from photography.
- Amateur Photographer: Any individual who does not earn the majority of their income from photography.
- Student Photographer: Any current student 25 and under with less than two years of professional work including internships.
- Community-based Photography: Given to a non-profit organization that teaches photography within a community and empowers the group to share their unique perspective through photography.
Prizes:
- Professional Photographer: $15,000 Grand Prize
- Amateur Photographer: $2000 Grand Prize
- Student Photographer: $1000 Grand Prize
- Community-based Photography: $2000 Grand Prize
Judging criteria:
- Originality
- Innovative and compelling story telling
- Relevance in portraying the issues addressed by the organization
- Visual Impact (composition, emotional impact)
- Technical execution (focus, exposure)
No print or film submissions will be accepted; scans of negatives, transparencies, or photographic prints are acceptable. All images must be uploaded through our online submissions form.
Files must be in jpeg format and fit to exactly 1000 pixels on their longest side, at a resolution of 72 dpi. No file size should be more than 600KB. Each image must be submitted as a separate file (no Powerpoint or iPhoto presentations). Please save images as RGB, ICC profile Adobe RGB (1998) or Grayscale.
Only minimally enhanced photographs are eligible for submission. Minor color correction is acceptable, as is cropping. High dynamic range images (HDRI) and stitched panoramas are acceptable only if the combined parts were all made at approximately the same time. Any other changes to the original photograph are not acceptable and will render the photo essay ineligible for a prize.
Official website: www.photophilanthropy.org
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.