| Copyright | The photographer grants World Press Photo permission to use prize-winning material in the contest, the exhibition, the yearbook, the portfolio CD, on the website and for the promotion of World Press Photo activities, without any remuneration being due. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all professional press photographers. The photographer’s professional status must be established by providing a document of verification (press card, union membership card, letter of reference or other official document). |
| Finish | 13 January 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
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FinishedCategories:
- Spot News
- General News
- People in the News
- Sports
- Contemporary Issues
- Daily Life
- Portraits
- Arts and Entertainment
- Nature
Prizes:
- Cash prize of EUR 10,000, as well as expenses to travel to Amsterdam for the Awards Days in April. The winner also receives one of Canon’s latest professional digital cameras.
- The Golden Eye Awards: In each category both the photographer of the best single picture and the photographer of the best picture-story/portfolio receive a Golden Eye Award and a cash prize of EUR 1,500, together with sponsorship of their trip to Amsterdam for the awards ceremony.
- Winners of second and third prizes and those receiving honorable mention receive a Golden Eye Award and a diploma.
Single images in all categories must have been taken in 2010. Stories/portfolios entered in the categories Spot News, General News and People in the News must have been taken in 2010. Stories/portfolios entered in the remaining categories must have been completed or first published in 2010. Stories/portfolios must contain no less than 2 and no more than 12 images. Stories/portfolios of more than 12 images will not be accepted. Only single-frame images will be accepted.
Digital images must meet the following specifications:
• Images must be at least 3,000 pixels in length.
• Each image must be saved as a separate JPEG with the highest quality setting.
• An embedded ICC profile is required. AdobeRGB or sRGB is recommended for color images, Gamma 2.2 for black and white. No CMYK.
The content of the image must not be altered. Only retouching which conforms to currently accepted standards in the industry is allowed.
Official website: submit.worldpressphoto.nl/Default.aspx
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.