| Copyright | If your photo makes the final round of voting, you agree to grant Carl Zeiss AG irrevocable, non-exclusive, transferable rights to utilize the submitted image as required. The usage rights of all other submitted images remains with the corresponding participants. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to anyone, provided the pictures are shot with a ZEISS lens. |
| Finish | 15 January 2012 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedCarl Zeiss is looking for that moment in which you do not see a subject, but a story. “We’re looking for images of that very special moment,” says Martin Dominicus, Head of Marketing for the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “Every life, every situation and every place is full of stories that take place in a split second. The ability to capture that in such a way that you recognize the story behind it — this is, and has always been, the high art of photography.” The pictures can be about anything. They can show people telling a story through their facial expressions or charm. They can depict a story in nature, whether shown through the sun, water, mist or frost. In exploring the theme, photographers can go to the limits of their imagination. There are also no rules in terms of style. The images can show bizarre, mysterious, funny or romantic situations. Photographic techniques such as the conscious play with focusing or blur can be used, as well as light/shadow or black and white photography. The most decisive requirement for this competition is that the photographer captures a magical moment that has character and tells a story.
Prizes:
- 1st prize: A ZEISS SLR camera lens of the winner’s choice (ZE or ZF.2) with exclusive engraving + Carl Zeiss T* UV filter + Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap + Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
- 2nd prize: Nokia Lumia 800 smartphone with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens
- 3rd prize: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 digital camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
- 4th prize: Logitech HD Pro webcam C910 with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens
- 5th and 6th prizes: Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap + Carl Zeiss knapsack+ Carl Zeiss watch + Carl Zeiss umbrella + Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
- 7th and 8th prizes: Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap + Carl Zeiss umbrella + Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
- 9th prize: Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap+ Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
- 10th prize: Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
The images that receive the most “favorites” on Flickr will win.
In order to enter you need to join the OFFICIAL Carl Zeiss Lenses group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/carlzeisslenses
Tag your photo using the specified key words: lens, mount and topic.
Important: To participate in the contest, you must also tag your photo with: ZEISSContest2011.
Load your photo to the OFFICIAL Carl Zeiss Lenses group. Each participant can submit one photo only.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: blogs.zeiss.com/photo/en/?p=1084
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.