| Copyright | All entrants grant a license to Authorized Parties to use the entries (along with a name credit) in any media. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open only to individuals who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry and who do NOT reside in Arizona, Cuba, Iran, New Jersey, North Korea, Puerto Rico, the Province of Quebec, Sudan, Syria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela or Vermont. |
| Finish | 12 August 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Be creative; share your unique perspective of the world. Your entry should tell a story about the places or people you have experienced through travel.
On Aug 12, 2011, the 10 entries with the highest vote total will be selected as finalists. One entry per week will also be selected by one of the contest judges to receive a $100 Adventure Center travel voucher. The 10 weekly winners will also move into the finals for a total of 20 finalists.
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: Two places for the winner and a guest on a 7 day trip customized tour of Morocco ($8,000 USD value)
- Second Place Prize: $500 Off Travel Voucher for any ‘iExplore Exclusive’ branded tour
- Prizes for All Other Finalists: $250 Off Travel Voucher for any ‘iExplore Exclusive’ branded tour offered by Sponsor
- Prizes for Judges’ Favorites: Each person who has a submission selected as a "Judges’ Favorite" will receive a $100 USD Travel Voucher for a Small Group Tour from Adventure Center and will automatically be selected as a finalist.
Image requirements: Minor burning, dodging and/or color correction is acceptable. Hand tinting is acceptable, as is cropping. Fish-eye lenses are acceptable. High dynamic range images (HDR) and stitched panoramas are acceptable only if the combined parts are all made around the same time. Online submission only. Image file size up to 5 Mb, JPG image format, at least 375 pixels on the longest side.
Each Entry consists of an entry post (up to 1,000 words) and a single image. There is no limit on the number of entries per person.
Judging criteria:
- Originality
- Writing quality
- Community feedback
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: travelsecrets.iexplore.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.