| Copyright | You will retain full copyright, if your image is published by IPC, you will be credited. You agree that any winning or shortlisted image may be used by IPC solely for marketing and promotional purposes of this competition or future versions of this competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide, amateur and professional. |
| Finish | 14 September 2011 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedCategories:
- LIVE: Photographs of bands/artists performing
- PORTRAIT: A posed photograph
- REPORTAGE: Candid, un-staged photographs that tell a story
- FESTIVALS: Photographs taken at live music events. Shots can be reportage or posed
- UNDER 18: All pictures accepted. Proof of age may be requested
- PROFESSIONAL: Entrants must submit a cohesive portfolio of 5 images
Prizes:
- Winners in all categories will win a Nikon COOLPIX S3100 camera worth £129.99.
- The winner in the professional photographer of the year category will win a Nikon D300S camera and 28-300mm lens, with a combined value of £2258.98.
- The winner in the the professional outstanding contribution category will win a Nikon P300 camera worth £299.99.
- Grand prize. The winners of each category will be invited to NME towers to meet our Picture Editor and one of our established photographers for a photography masterclass. We will then pick two to go and shoot a gig for us – and one eventual winner will go to a festival as our official photographer. Nikon will also throw in a D5100 camera worth £779.99
Image requirements: JPEG format; sRGB color profile; image file size up to 400 Kb; image size up to 700 x 700 pixels.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.nme.com/photoawards/home
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 — 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.