| Copyright | ou retain copyright to your photograph. All entries may be posted online. Winning entries may be used in connection with the Contest and promotion of the Contest for a period of 24 months from the date winners are notified. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide who are 18+ yo |
| Finish | 8 September 2011 |
| Entry fee | Professional: $35 per entry; Amateur: $12 per entry (after 22 Aug plus $10 per entry) |
Finished
Categories:
- RAVEL PORTRAITS – Photos of local residents at work, play and celebrating
- OUTDOOR SCENES – Landscapes, aerials, wildlife and waterscapes
- SENSE OF PLACE – Scenes in cities, towns and villages that convey a strong feeling of place
- SPONTANEOUS MOMENTS – Photos that capture fun, quirky, surprising, and unrehearsed moments
- PHOTO ESSAY – Up to six images that suggest a story around a particular travel theme
Prizes:
- One professional winner and one amateur winner will each receive:
- A one-week, hands-on photo workshop in Maine, courtesy of Maine Media Workshops!
- $250 certificate for Canson Infinity media
- Five professional winners and five amateur winners will each receive:
- Nikon DSLR camera
- 1-year PhotoServe portfolio
- 1-year subscription to PDN
- $100 B&H gift card
- $100 certificate for Canson Infinity media
- Select professional and amateur winners will be featured in the World in focus gallery exhibit at the pdn photoplus international conference + expo in New York October 27-29, 2011.
- All winning images will be featured on the World in Focus contest Web site and in the March 2012 issue of PDN
Image requirements: JPEG or TIFF format; at least 1,000 pixels on the long dimension at 72 to 300 dpi; sRGB, Adobe-1998, or not color-managed; up to 2 Mb in image file size.
A series of images may be entered for the ‘Photo Essay’ category.No limit in the number of entries. Winners will be selected on or about October 15, 2011. Online submission only via the website.
Judging criteria:
- creativity (34%)
- sense of place (33%)
- capturing the moment (33%)
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: worldinfocuscontest.com/index.shtml
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 — 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.