| Copyright | Photographers retain full copyright. All photographs submitted for the contest can be used by the IRHA in promotion of the Contest, their ancillary events and projects for a period of five years. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 30 April 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedRainwater, as a source, is the purest form of fresh water. The aim is to raise awareness in the public of the various advantages that rainwater harvesting offers by providing sustainable access to water
Prizes:
- The first winner – CHF 1000
- The second winner – CHF 600
- The third winner – CHF 400
Themes:
- Water is Life, the essential element that supports human, animal and plant life
- Rain
- Sacred or ritualized use of water or the celebration of rain in spiritual ceremonies
- Thirst, scarcity and drought
- Water distribution, including the politics of water distribution, water as a commodity. Impossibility to provide pipe water in remote regions and the role of harvested rainwater for satisfying of the needs.
- Rainwater Harvesting, the best tool for adaptation to the climate changes (storms, floods, drought)
- Rainwater collection, simple technologies at work, water purification
Photography can be both horizontal (landscape orientation) and vertical (portrait orientation) images. All images selected for the prize, exhibition and or publishing will need to be supplied at least as 2000px (long edge), 300 DPI full quality JPG or TIF unsharpened. Black & white and colour images are acceptable. Any use of Photoshop or touch ups should be limited to traditional darkroom techniques. Use of cloning or other digital effects is forbidden and any images thought to be manipulated will be deemed ineligible. Images shot in a photo studio will not be accepted.
Judging criteria:
- The force and artistic value of the message including technical and aesthetic considerations;
- The clearly expressed advantages for mankind and nature of the use of Rainwater Harvesting;
- The pertinence of the presented experiences/examples of realizations in the field of Rainwater Harvesting.
Official website: www.thethirstyplanet.com
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.