| Copyright | The Escuela Nacional Sindical (ENS) acquires the printing rights on the selected and rewarded photographs, to be able to publish them or exhibit them. The author keeps the intellectual and patrimonial rights to the photographs. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 20 March 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedTheme: “The works and the days”
The theme of the photographs should focus on human beings (regardless of age, sex, or race) carrying out some form of work or occupation. Additionally, pictures could show the human presence through objects or materials; buy the jury will decide on the appropriateness of these concepts. As we are predominantly interested in Latin American workers, we also invite artists to send their photographs that document the social and working conditions of Latin American immigrants in developed countries. As well as those people that migrates between countries in Latin America.
Categories and prizes:
- Prize “Working Women” US 1.500
The photographs must to document the work of the women in Latin America. - Prize “Working Children” US 1.500
The photographs must to document the labor of boys, girls, or of young workers in Latin America. - Prize “Working Men” US 1.500
The photographs must to document the labor of the men in Latin America. - Prize “Working Immigrants” US 1.500
The photographs must to document the work and social situation of the Latin American immigrant in developed countries, as well as those people that migrate between Latin American countries.
The award ceremony and the exhibition opening will be held during the week before the celebration of May Day 2013, as part of the events commemorating International Workers’ Day organized by the Escuela Nacional Sindical (ENS).
Image requirements: JPG format; resolution of 72 DPI; the longest dimension of the image should be close to 800 pixels.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. If several photographs make up a single work, the collection will be consider as one WORK if all photographs have the same name, are numbered and have the word "series" contained in the title (Series x 1, series x 2, etc.) A SERIES cannot contain more than five (5) photographs and will be considered in its totality as a sole WORK. Each contestant has the right to send up to three (3) WORKS, whether individual photographs or series for each category.
The rules in English can be downloaded here: http://www.ens.org.co/concurso/convocatoriaEN_2013
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.