| Copyright | Entrants agree that should they win or be a runner-up they are deemed to have agreed to grant to IPL and the Publisher a non-exclusive licence to publish the winning entries online and in print and to syndicate the work. The Publisher shall try to ensure that all material used is credited with the entrant’s name. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers who are residents of the UK. |
| Finish | 14 September 2012 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedInsight Guides Travel Photography Competition is organised by The Independent on Sunday
Submit a photo that captures the essence of the place and to submit three outstanding, top-quality colour images (of one destination or more), either digitally or in print.
Prizes:
- First prize: A travel photography commission from Insight Guides (worth £3,000) plus an Olympus PEN Lite(E-PL3) kit (RRP £550).
- Second prize: Olympus E-PM1 kit (RRP £450).
- Third prize: Olympus XZ-1 (RRP £400).
- Adult winners and a companion will be given dinner and an overnight stay plus breakfast at the Corinthia Hotel.
- The under-18 prize: an Olympus Tough camera TG-820 (RRP: £270)
Prizewinners will be informed by 8 October 2012.
Judges: Michael Pritchard, Yoshimi Kanazawa, Kevin Cummins and Sophie Batterbury.
You should provide three different colour photographs capturing the essence of a destination, or destinations. Submissions must not have been previously entered into any other photography competition. All photographs must have been taken since 1 January 2012.
Submit digital images by email: [email protected] or by post as prints.
Image requirements: JPG format; a minimum of 3MB at 300 DPI and a maximum of 15MB at 300 DPI.
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.