| Copyright | Photographers retail their rights to submitted images. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all professional photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 1 February 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Photojournalism is changing. Portable digital cameras are giving more people the basic tools to cover news events that affect their lives. Large media companies are integrating and showcasing photographic reporting in new ways. As a result, the popular culture is becoming more aware of visual journalism. The Best of Photojournalism seeks to recognize the best work coming from this changing landscape, and set new standards for the future. We celebrate the craft of photographic reporting, not just the artistic and technical qualities of photography.
Categories:
- Photojournalist of the Year (large markets) OPY
- Photojournalist of the Year (smaller markets) UPY
- Sports Photojournalist of the Year SPY
- Cliff Edom’s ‘New America Award’ NAA
- Returning Veterans, Coming Home VPS
- International News Single INN
- International News Picture Story INS
- General News Single GNN
- Domestic News Single DON
- Domestic News Picture Story DNS
- Contemporary Issues Single CIP
- Contemporary Issues Story CIS
- Feature Single FET
- Portrait and Personality Single POR
- Portrait Series SPP
- Environment Single ENW
- Environment Picture Story EPS
- Sports Action Single SPA
- Sports Feature Single SPF
- Sports Picture Story SPS
- Olympic Action Single OGA
- Olympics Feature OGF
- Olympic Story OSS
- Pictorial Singles PCT
- Best Published Picture Story (large markets) OPS
- Best Published Picture Story (smaller markets) UPS
- Non-Traditional Photojournalism Publishing NTP
- Road to Office Picture Story RTS
- The Road to Office Single RTO
All entries must have been taken or initially published between January 1st and December 31st, 2012. Online submission of digital photographs via the website or by post on a CD disk.
Each photographer will be limited to 20 entries.
Image requirements: RGB color prifile; 250 DPI, with maximum dimensions of 2750 pixels along its longest side; JPG format with a Photoshop JPEG quality level of at least ‘6’ or ‘good’. File size for a single photograph should be no more than 4 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 — 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.