| Copyright | Photographer retains full copyright of material. Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens reserves the right to use selected images for the promotion of contests. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide. |
| Finish | 10 December 2012 |
| Entry fee | $6.00 per photo |
FinishedSubmit photos that were taken in any botanic garden.
Categories:
- Plant Portraiture (Amateur)
- Plant Portraiture (Professional)
- Garden Views (Amateur)
- Garden Views (Professional)
- Garden Creatures (Amateur)
- Garden Creatures (Professional)
- People in Botanic Gardens (Amateur)
- People in Botanic Gardens (Professional)
- International Botanic Gardens (Open to all photographers in any botanic garden)
- Creative Visions (Open to all photographers in any botanic garden)
Categories 1 to 8 – for photographs taken in a botanic garden in Australia or New Zealand
Prizes and exhibitions:
- Grand First Prize – $5,000 cash
- Second prize – $2,000 in cash
- Third prize – $1,000 in cash
- Fourth prize – $300 in cash
- People’s Choice prize – $200 in cash
- Category prizes – $150 each category
- Finalist will be exhibited in print or digital format at Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, in June 2013.
- Winning photo will be exhibited as part of the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition in the UK
Image requirements: dimensions approx. 1,000px wide, portrait or landscape; file size from 500 Kb to approx. 1Mb
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. High resolution images to be presented if selected. There is no limit to how many times you may enter as long as one entry means one image and one entry fee. For photographs entered into Category 10, digital manipulation is encouraged in producing a creative interpretation of anything in a Botanical Garden. No composite images are allowed.
Judging criteria:
- Technical ability including appropriate focal precision and exposure, control of camera shake, white balance and image resolution.
- Creative vision including composition and graphic quality, use of colour or tones and the degree of originality in the interpretation of the scene.
- Images with depth and feeling that tell a story
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 — 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.