| Copyright | You will retain all rights to any photograph you submit and if you are finalist, you grant The Nature Conservancy rights to use your photograph in connection with the Photo Contest |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide, 18+ years or age. |
| Finish | 16 September 2012 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Submit striking digital images of nature, highlighting the diversity of life on Earth, i.e. animal behavior, portraits of wildlife in natural habitat, plant life, natural landscapes, weather or people interacting with nature. Judges are especially interested in images that showcase the wide range of habitats across our planet, including all types of forests, grasslands, lakes and rivers, deserts and arid lands, rainforests, marine habitats and coral reefs. No pets or domestic animals, captive animals photographed in zoos and commercial game farms.
Award:
- The grand-prize winner’s image will be printed in the 2014 Nature Conservancy calendar
- The judging panel will select approximately 50 photos to be the contest’s Finalists and Honorable Mentions
Online submission of digital photographs via Flickr or by email. Standard photo processing is allowed, as well as HDR.
Judging criteria:
- originality
- technical excellence
- composition
- overall impact
- artistic merit
Finalists will be announced on or before November 19, 2012. Public voting for the grand-prize winner will be held for at least a two-week period to begin after the finalists are announced and to end no later than December 16, 2012. Grand Prize Winner and Runners Up will be announced in early January 2013.
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 — 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.