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2012 World Press Photo Contest

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  • Spot news – SN/SNS
    Single images (SN) or stories/portfolios (SNS) of unscheduled events for which no advance planning was possible. All images must have been shot in 2011.
  • General News – GN/GNS
    Single images (GN) or stories/portfolios (GNS) of planned or organized events. All images must have been shot in 2011.
  • People in the News – PN/PNS
    Single images (PN) or stories/portfolios (PNS) of people or groups of people featuring in the news. All images must have been shot in 2011.
  • Sports – SP/SPS
    Single images of sports action (SP) or sports feature stories/portfolios (SPS).
  • Contemporary Issues – CI/CIS
    Single feature images (CI) or stories/portfolios (CIS) exploring contemporary social issues, environmental issues, health issues, etc.
  • Daily Life – DL/DLS
    Single images (DL) or stories/portfolios (DLS) illustrating the richness and diversity of everyday life.
  • Portraits – PO/POS
    Single images (PO) or stories/portfolios (POS) portraying people (groups and individuals), including public figures and celebrities.
  • Arts and Entertainment – AE/AES
    Editorial reporting in single images (AE) or stories/portfolios (AES) of visual and performing arts, rituals, festivals, etc.
  • Nature – NA/NAS
    Single images (NA) or stories/portfolios (NAS) about the natural world, flora and fauna, landscapes, etc.

Image requirements: at least 3,000 pixels in length; JPEG format image saved with a medium to high quality; embedded ICC profile is required; AdobeRGB or sRGB is recommended for color images, Gamma 2.2 for black and white.

You need to register free of charge in order to submit your entry online.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: submit.worldpressphoto.org/

 

Frequently asked questions — Nature photography contests

Who can enter nature photography contests?

Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.

Are nature photography contests free to enter?

Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates 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 nature photography contests offer?

Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.

How do I choose which nature contest to enter?

Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.

Frequently asked questions — Art photography contests

Who can enter art photography contests?

Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.

Are art photography contests free to enter?

Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do art photography contests offer?

Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.

How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?

Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.

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.

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