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2011 PDN Great Outdoors Photo Contest

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Divisions: Amateur and professional

Categories:

  • Parks and safaris
  • Plants, animals, insects and gardens
  • Beaches, islands and underwater
  • Scenes of the natural world
  • Outdoor sports and activities

Prizes:

  • One Grand Winner: $500 ADORAMA gift certificate and $250 certificate for Canson Infinity Media
  • 4 First Place winnders each: $100 ADORAMA gift certificate and $100 certificate for Canson Infinity Media
  • All winners will receive digital cameras
  • All professional First Place winners get a Photoservice Portfolio ($860 value)
  • Winning images will be featured in PDN September 2011 issue

Judging  criteria: creativity, sense of place and capturing the moment.
Judging will take place in late May and winners will be contacted in the end of June.

Images requirements: JPEG or TIFF at 72 to 300 dpi, at least 1,000 pixels on their long dimension, using color profiles: sRGB, Adobe-1998, or not color-managed. Image size should be under 2 Mb. One entry consists of one image.

Official website: www.thegreatoutdoorsphotocontest.com

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 — 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.

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