| Copyright | All Entrants retain full ownership and copyright of each submission. The Entrant grants the Organizer a limited, non-exclusive license to use submitted photographs in the context of the marketing and promotion of the Contest for a period of 24 months. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers who are 18+ years of age, worldwide. |
| Finish | 1 May 2012 |
| Entry fee | from US$4.80 to US$16 per photograph (50% discount for certain countries) |
FinishedThe Open is a worldwide search for the greatest photographers of our generation. It features both online and live events and delivers one of the largest prize purses ever offered in the photo industry: $50,000US. It is an exposure powerhouse that connects photographers with a global audience.
SOLO – is an online competition gallery of single images, where half of the finalists are selected by an expert panel of judges and the other half are driven by public voting, fueled by the major social media platforms. The Photographer of the Year and the category winners share $25,000US.
Categories:
- Action & Lifestyle
- Street & Urban
- People & Portraiture
- Nature & Landscape
- Open
Prizes:
- Photographer of the Year, SOLO event : $20,000US
- Category Winners: $1000US each
- People’s Choice: $1000US
Image requirements: JPEG format; at least 1,000 pixels on the longest dimension. Minimum file size is 8 megapixels, maximum file size is 12 megapixels. Images may be color profiled in sRGB, Adobe-1998 or not color-managed.
Digital images should be submitted online only.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.theworldopen.com
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 — 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 — 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.