| Copyright | Entrants retain the copyright and other equivalent rights to their entries. With the objective of publicizing the contest, the organizer reserves in perpetuity the non-exclusive right to publish, reproduce, make public, display, print, distribute and screen winning entries on websites, in photo exhibitions and in facilities managed by the organizer, its affiliates, and overseas subsidiaries without further compensation to or the additional prior consent of the entries' creators |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 28 February 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Categories (All categories are open to any subject matter):
- Category A – Single photo
- Category B – Photo story (two to five images that present a theme or idea.)
- Category C – Photographic Video (45 seconds in length)
- Category D – Motion Snapshot (a special award category cerebrating the release of the advanced interchangeable lens camera Nikon 1, using its "Motion Snapshot" function.)
Awards and Prizes:
- Category A•B•C
- Grand Prize:
- 1 award. The winner will receive a trophy, Nikon products equivalent to 1,000,000 yen and the opportunity to show his or her portfolio on the Nikon Photo Contest Website.
- 1st place:
- 1 award per category. The winners will receive a trophy, Nikon products equivalent to 500,000 yen and the opportunity to show their portfolios on the Nikon Photo Contest Website
- 2nd place:
- 5 awards per category. The winners will receive a trophy and Nikon products equivalent to 200,000 yen.
- 3rd place:
- 10 awards per category. The winners will receive a trophy and Nikon products equivalent to 100,000 yen.
- NIKKOR Award: This prize goes to the photographer producing the best work using a NIKKOR lens. The winner will receive a trophy and 1,000,000 yen.
- Category D
- 1st place: 3awards. The winners will receive a trophy and Nikon products equivalent to 200,000 yen.
- All Categories
- Participants Award for Most Popular Entry: The winner will receive a trophy and 500,000 yen.
The winners will be notified through email by early July 2013.
Entries for categories A and B are limited to a total of ten works; for example, two entries in the single photo category and one entry of four photographs in the composite category would total six works. The same works or portions of the same works cannot be submitted to both categories A and B. Entrants can submit one entry in each of categories C and D. This can be done on top of entries to Categories A and B. Online submission of digital photos via the website.
Image requirements: JPEG format; more than 1500 x 2100 pixels in size; more than 150dpi; Up to 20 MB in file size; sRGB.
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.