| Copyright | Copyright in all photographs submitted remains with the photographers. Wiining images may be used in connection with the promotion of the competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to any final year student studying a higher education photography based course at university or college in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland. |
| Finish | 31 March 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedSubmit a portfolio of 5-12 of your best digital images. There is no particular theme for this competition, however, remember you are submitting a portfolio so editing will be taken into consideration. All genres of photography will be considered.
Prize:
- 3 months paid employment with top fashion photographer John Wright as an Assistant, with an annual salary of £15k, pro rata.
- £3,000 cash to help with general living expenses
- Nikon professional camera and lens worth £4,000
Judging criteria:
- Originality
- Technical Proficiency
- Visual Impact
- Content of covering letter
All images submitted should be JPEG with a maximum width of 1600 pixels. Please submit the highest quality image with regard to file size, bit depth, and resolution. If your images need to be viewed in order please number the images within the label.
Each entrant must submit a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 12 images in a single zip file, which should be no bigger than 30MB, with an accompanying covering letter of up to 500 words.
Official website: www.nikonfoundation.co.uk
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.