| Copyright | You grant permission to Pictures of the Year International and the Missouri School of Journalism to use my submitted photographs in exhibitions, in publications, and in promotions of the competition itself, and for educational, research, and historical record purposes concerning Pictures of the Year International. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 26 January 2013 |
| Entry fee | from $50 |
Finished
The mission of Pictures of the Year International is to recognize excellence in documentary photography and photojour-nalism, within both still and motion photog-raphy formats. Images should reflect the news events and social issues with respect for the integrity of the scene and the intent of the moment. Scenes that are set up or staged by the photographer do not honor the essence of documentary photography. Portrait categories are the only exceptions
Prizes:
- Photographer of the Year (Freelance / Agency) $1,000 cash prize, a Tiffany crystal trophy
- Photographer of the Year – Newspaper – $1,000 cash prize, a Tiffany crystal trophy
- Sports Photographer of the Year – $1,000 cash prize, a Tiffany crystal trophy
- Multimedia Photographer of the Year – $1,000 and a Tiffany crystal trophy
- Documentary Project of the Year Award – $1,000 and a Tiffany crystal trophy
- World Understanding Award – $1,000 and a Tiffany crystal trophy
- Environmental Vision Award – $1,000 and a Tiffany crystal trophy
- Community Awareness Award – $1,000 and a Tiffany crystal trophy
- Best Photography Book Award – $1,000 and a Tiffany crystal trophy; Publishing house receives an engraved plaque
- Individual category winners
- 1st — Engraved plaque awards
- 2nd, 3rd, & AE — Certificate awards
Winners will be posted Thursday, February 28, 2013.
Online submission of digital photos via the website.
Image requirements: JPG format; 3,000 pixels or larger, on the longer side — width or height; resolution: 300 dpi, minimum.
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.