| Copyright | Entrants will retain copyright in their submitted entries. The Organizer has the right to repeatedly use entries submitted for the contest in related non-commercial activities. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open worldwide to anyone. |
| Finish | 15 April 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Theme: Folk Culture
Entries can contain several ethnic groups in one country or one nationality living in different countries.
Categories:
- Portrait & Costume
- Architecture
- Living and Production Custom
- Festivities
- Education
- Recreation
- Sports & Technology
- Traditional Rites
Awards:
- Humanity Photo Grand Awards: 6 (one for each category) with a prize of US$2000 for each;
- Humanity Photo Documentary Awards: 60 – an award certificate; a book/CD-photo collection of the HPA 2011; an invitation to attend the award ceremony and the opening ceremony of the premiere exhibition of “Memories of Mankind VII”; transportation fee and a 3-9 days hotel accommodation; prized works to be put on the premiere exhibition
Stories/Portfolios should consist of a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 images. Each entrant is allowed to submitted no more than 3 entries. Your images should be at least 2500 px on the shortest side and under 5 Mb in size. Judging Criteria: photographic technique, documentary value and the difficulty in photographing and ability to reveal the mission of the HPA contest.
Official website: hpa2011.worldfpa.org
Frequently asked questions — Portrait photography contests
Who can enter portrait photography contests?
Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.
Are portrait photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.
How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?
Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.
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.