| Copyright | You agree to the subsequent use of your photo material by the OSCE, which reserves the right to publish the winning entry and the finalists, with the appropriate credit, in its non-profit publications as well as on its website. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, professional and amateur, living and working in the OSCE area, including the Partner for Co-operation countries. |
| Finish | 31 July 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThe OSCE photo contest aims to raise awareness about sustainable energy and transport.
Theme: "Sustainable energy and transport"
Your interpretation of the theme could involve topics such as renewable energy, innovation and new technologies, international and trans-boundary co-operation, sustainable vehicles and fuels, environmental protection, adaptation of users’ behaviour and more.
Prizes:
- 1st prize winner will be a trip to Prague, Czech Republic, to attend an award ceremony on the margins of the Economic and Environmental Forum on 14-16 September 2011, and photographic equipment.
- 2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive photography equipment.
An international jury will select 12 final works to be exhibited, out of them 1st and 2nd prize winners. The 3rd prize winner will be selected by public vote out of the works of the finalists via the OSCE Facebook page. The winners will be announced in mid-August.
Each participant may enter a maximum of three photos.
Image requirements: The entries cannot be a photomontage or a collage. Post processing should be limited to cropping, burning, dodging, conversion to black and white and normal exposure and colour correction. The photo(s) should be at least 2,000 pixels on the longer side. Low resolution images will not be accepted. Submit images in JPEG or other common formats. Photos must be submitted digitally along with the entry form and sent by e-mail to [email protected].
Contributions must have a title and include a short explanation, using a maximum of 150 characters, indicating the country, city or region where the picture was taken and when.
Judging criteria:
- relevance to the contest theme and OSCE values
- message
- originality and creativity of expression
- photo composition
- quality of execution
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.osce.org/eea/photo2011
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.