| Copyright | You give Metro the right to, including but not limited to, reproduce, amend, exhibit, print, use, and to any third party assign and sub-license the entry, in any form, for marketing and editorial purposes in any media related the challenge during five years from the date of the challenge’s closure. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers from USA, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Hungary, France, Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Canada, USA, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Equator, Chile, Sweden and Peru. |
| Finish | 11 November 2012 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Categories:
- My Country’s Best
- My Favorite
- My Night
- Temptation
Prizes:
- The winners in the four global categories will receive the Grand Prize which is a Greenland Photo Expedition in April 2013 (including: Return flight from hometown (or nearby hometown) of the winner to Greenland; accommodation for the full stay in Greenland in hotel and hut (8 nights)). Each Grand Prize has a value of 10.000 USD.
Judges: Mattias Klum, Esben Darling Meng, Lara Jade, Urban Brådhe,
The Metro Photo Challenge consists of three rounds of evaluation. In the first round ten photos are selected by the number of votes, likes and views in the four global categories. In the second round, the local jury will select one winner in each of the four global categories among the 40 selected photos from the first round based on the Judging Criteria in their sole discretion– announcement of local winners is 16 November 16 2012. The four (4) local winners in each country will be sent to the third round of evaluation where a global jury selects one winner in each of the four categories based on the Judging Criteria in their sole discretion. Announcement date of global winners is 30 November 2012.
Judging Criteria:
- Fit and relevance
- Creativity
- Technical quality
- Overall Impression
Image requirements: JPG format; up to 12 Mb in file size; only minor burning, dodging and/or color correction is acceptable, as is cropping. Other photo editing such as HDR and stitched panoramas or collages must be tagged as ”Photo edited” in the uploading process on metrophotochallenge.com.
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.