| Copyright | All entrants retain copyright in their submitted photographs, but grant a royalty-free,irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide non-exclusive license to Authorized Parties, to use, reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the submitted photographs and Short Story(along with a name credit) in connection with the Contest and promotion of the Contest |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open only to non-professional photographers who are legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who have reached the age of 21 at the time of entry. |
| Finish | 25 November 2012 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Submit one photo and an accompanying paragraph no greater than 100 words in length about someone or something that’s meaningful to you and you think would be interesting to others — be it about a loved one, or your hometown, or a personal passion. Additionally, you may upload 3 photos (not necessarily related to the story), that best demonstrate your photographic talent.
Prizes:
- Judges will select five First Prize Winners who will be sent a Nikon D600 with 24-85mm VR Lens Kit to shoot their Full Story between December 17, 2012 – January 7, 2013.
- A Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among those five First Prize Winners and will be announced on January 25th, 2013. That Grand Prize Winner will then accompany National Geographic’s Digital Nomad, Andrew Evans, on a National Geographic Expedition to the Galápagos Islands February 8-17, 2013 aboard the National Geographic Endeavour to photograph the rich ecosystems and contribute to the Digital Nomad experience along side Andrew.
Judging Criteria:
- Compelling nature of proposed visual story (34%)
- Creativity (33%)
- Photographic quality of the three supplemental photos ONLY (not the photograph that illustrates the Short Story)(33%)
Online submission of digital photos via website.
Image requirements: at least 1,600 pixels on the shortest dimension; JPG format; under 5 Mb in file size; no manipulation, no HDR, no panoramas.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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.