| Copyright | Photographers retain all rights to their work, except for submissions accepted for exhibition: artists grant Vermont Photo Space the right to use their images to promote the exhibition and for display on VPS website and for inclusion in an exhibit catalog. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers around the world. |
| Finish | 14 November 2012 |
| Entry fee | $24 US for up to four images and $5 US for an additional image. |
FinishedAwards:
- All selected entries are exhibited in our gallery and included in a full color exhibit catalog.
- Juror’s Choice receives a 20×35" vinyl exhibit banner featuring their image.
- Free matting and framing of accepted entries are offered for the duration of each of our exhibition, subject to standard sizes.
There are principles of good design that when used properly, will make a good image much better, and a great image dynamite. Does your image use point, line, color, form or shape, space, texture, and/or pattern to effectively communicate your intent? Does the image portray a sense of unity, balance, proportion, rhythm/repetition/similarity, hierarchy/dominance/emphasis/figure to ground. Let’s also add a few of the gestalt principles into the mix: Closure (our tendency to see and assume something which is not technically there/to fill in the missing pieces), Continuance (our tendency to follow a visual or suggested path), and Proximity (the two-dimensional relationship of objects to each other within the frame). For more on these Gestalt principles and others, visit our Juror’s article mentioned below. If you have images that clearly illustrate one or several of the above mentioned elements and/or principles of design, we would love to see them.
Juror: Joe Baraban
Images should be as large as possible but no larger than 1280 pixels on the longest side, type jpg – set to the highest quality. Image file size under 2 Mb. DPI is only relevant for output purposes and does not effect the stored size of the image. It can be set to any number, but if you must specify something go with 72 dpi.
Online or email (plus $5) submission.
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 — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
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.