| Copyright | Photographers retain the rights to their images, but grant to the UNFCCC the right to use the submitted images. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to any photographer, professional or amateur. |
| Finish | 20 October 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
This Contest is intended to raise awareness about the Kyoto Protocol’s clean development mechanism. Enter striking images that showcase CDM projects or their related benefits. Whether it’s a photo highlighting a climate-friendly project or related benefits in health, sanitation, infrastructure development, rural electrification or some other area, we want to see your vision of this remarkable mechanism.
Theme: “Clean Development Mechanism Changing Lives”
Award:
- Global exposure and recognition.
- The winning works will be displayed at the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference in Cancun in December 2010
All submissions must be associated with a registered CDM project. Check the CDM interactive map to find a registered one near you or search for a registered project using the CDM website’s project project search facility
Each photographer may submit up to three photos.
Judging criteria:
- Creativity and originality
- Composition (technical excellence and quality)
- Artistic merit (wow factor)
- Content and persuasiveness in telling the story of the CDM on the theme “Changing Lives”.
Submissions must be:
- In JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) digital format
- At least 2,500 pixels wide (horizontal image) or at least 2,500 pixels tall (vertical image)
- Saved at 300 pixels/inch resolution
- High-quality scans of non-digital photographs are acceptable
- Digital files can be saved as 8 bit RGB with the JPEG image compression option set at quality level 8 (80%) or higher
- Digital photographs should be shot at the highest resolution possible
- Each submitted image should not be more than 10 MBs in size
Note that the top 50 finalists may be asked to re-submit a higher resolution file or an 8×10 professional photographic print for further promotional purposes
link to upload your photos.
Official website: cdm.unfccc.int/contest
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.