| Copyright | Photographers retain their rights to the submitted images |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, creative professionals, publishers, agencies, representatives, students and teachers of photography living, working or studying in North America with work created, published or exhibited anywhere in the word for any purpose. International photographers living abroad who have North American representation or have been published or exhibited in North America are also eligible. |
| Finish | 3 February 2012 |
| Entry fee | From $35 per single photograph in any category |
FinishedAmerican Photography promotes and preserves the finest pictures being created today by established, emerging and student photographers from thousands of submissions. American Photography 28 will be published in November 2012 for worldwide distribution and will launch at our annual Party in New York City – the industry’s most anticipated networking event of the year that brings photographers, illustrators and creatives together to celebrate the years best images.
- Editorial
- Books Advertising
- Posters
- Promotion
- Packaging
- Video
- Unpublished
- Student work.
- News
- Food
- Sports
- Fashion
- Portraiture
- Conceptual
- Travel
- Lifestyle
- Nudes
- Fine Art
Image requirements: JPG files at 72 dpi, RGB, 1000 pixels on the longest side, up to 2MB.
Online submission of digital files. There may be up to 10 images that are related in terms of content or usage in a series.
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 — 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.