| Copyright | All entries may be used by CGAP provided that all uses are accompanied by appropriate attribution to the photographer. Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to future use of their photographs. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide, 18+ years of age |
| Finish | 15 September 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Enter original, striking images of the impact of microfinance around the world. These images may reflect the wide variety of microfinance and microenterprise development around the world, representing a range of products, institutions, and methodologies, and may touch on a broad range of social, economic, developmental, and technological issues.
Prizes:
- One Grand Prize winning package
- A Microfinance Training Scholarship to the Boulder Program in Turin, Italy, or another development training opportunity agreed with CGAP up to a maximum value of $5000
Or - A $2000 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories
- Winner’s certificate
- A Microfinance Training Scholarship to the Boulder Program in Turin, Italy, or another development training opportunity agreed with CGAP up to a maximum value of $5000
- One Second Prize winner
- $500 gift certificate for photography equipment
- Winner’s certificate
- One Third Prize winner
- $250 gift certificate for photography equipment
- Winner’s certificate
- One winner from each region (based on where the photo was taken): Latin America/Caribbean; Eastern Europe and Central Asia , Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa; South Asia; and East Asia and Pacific.
- $200 in photography equipment
- Winner’s certificate
- Fifteen (15) Winners from across all the categories
- $50 gift certificate for photography equipment + winner’s certificate
You can enter up to 20 photos. Submit digital images – high-resolution JPG or TIFF files, at least 3 megapixels or larger.
Judging criteria:
- originality
- technical excellence
- composition
- overall impact
- artistic merit
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.cgap.org/p/site/c/template.rc/1.26.16426/
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.