| Copyright | Entrants will retain copyright in the photographs that they submit to IPA. By entering the competition, all entrants grant IPA the right to publish and exhibit their photographs on our website and those of our sponsors. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to residents from the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. |
| Finish | 30 November 2010 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
The theme is open to individual interpretation, but photos should be what you consider some of your best shots, either film or digital. They may be photos of better times, uplifting moments, wonderful experiences, the good times, exciting things you have seen or interesting people, it is wide open, so have fun picking the ones you feel are your favorites. Photographs may feature landscapes, people, animals, plants, activities or just about anything.
Categories:
- Amateur
- Professional
Prizes:
- Total value $8,000
Judging criteria:
• Composition
• Technical ability
• Originality
• Interpretation of our theme
• Commercial and aesthetic appeal
Entrants may submit up to three photos as digital files, in color, black and white or a toned image. Only one photo by any individual entrant can be included in the final shortlist. Printed images cannot be accepted and all entries must be emailed to us and be saved at 72 dpi and not larger then 700 pixels in its largest side. For our main contest, images may be digitally enhanced to remove spots or scratches, cropped, level and color adjustments and minor photo retouching is acceptable, but they should not be manipulated to the extent that it they no longer represent the original photo and then starts to become an illustration or work of art. Conversion of a color image to black and white or a tone will also be acceptable.
Official website: internationalpress.com/blog/photo-contests
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.