Home » Contests » AOP Open Awards 2012

AOP Open Awards 2012

FinishedThere are no categories or themes in this competition so the choice of work submitted is entirely up to the photographer.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Prizes:

  • Overall Winner:
    • A Fuji X-Pro1 camera
    • A 12-month photographic insurance policy worth up to £1,000 with Towergate Camersure
    • A subscription to Bikinilists UK, 2000 email campaign and consultation
  • AOP Open exhibition in October 2012

All successful entrants will be notified and published on the AOP website by the end of June / start of July 2012. 

There are no restrictions on the number of entries that you can submit. Online submission of digital images via the website. Successful entrants will then have to deliver un-mounted exhibition copy prints and high-resolution files to the AOP.

Image requirements: JPEG format; RGB color profile; no larger than 1920 pixels wide by 1200 pixels high; up to 3 megabytes in image file size.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Frequently asked questions — Photography exhibition contests

Who can enter photography exhibition contests?

Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.

Are exhibition contests free to enter?

Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do exhibition contests offer?

Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.

How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?

Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.

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.

Scroll to Top