| Copyright | Copyright in all photographs submitted to the Syngenta Photography Award remains with the respective entrants. Any photos submitted to the Syngenta Photography Award may only be used by Syngenta for marketing, promotional or educational purposes relating to the Syngenta Photography Award |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide, 18+ years of age |
| Finish | 15 January 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
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Finished
Theme: Rural-Urban
Enter photos that explore the relationship and tensions between rural and urban environments.
Categories and Prizes:
- Professional Commission
- 1st prize: US$15,000 plus a commission worth up to an additional US$25,000 to explore the rural-urban theme in a more in-depth way.
- 2nd prize: US$10,000
- 3rd prize: US$5,000
- Open Competition
- 1st prize: US$5,000
- 2nd prize: US$3,000
- 3rd prize: US$2,000
- Winning photographers will have their work featured in the International Herald Tribune and New York Times, as well as showcased at an exhibition and symposium in London.
For the Open Competition, you can upload up to 3 individual images. For the Professional Commission, you can upload a series of 2-10 images that work together as a whole, share a single title and have a common theme or concept. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: jpeg format; at least 300 dpi; minimum size of 1200 x 2500 pixels; maximum file size of 5 MB;
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 — 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.