| Copyright | The Photographer retains the copyright of all submitted images at all times. Entrants agree that the organisers may use any entries featured in the exhibition without any payment related to the exhibition for 2 years from the close of the contest. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, who are 16+ years of age. |
| Finish | 31 March 2013 |
| Entry fee | PORTRAIT SINGLES USD$12.50 per image; THE PHOTO ESSAY USD$55 per series. |
Finished
Categories:
- Portrait Single – individual portraits, maximum number of photos is 10.
- Smartphone portrait – Theme: 1000 Yards
Submit a series of 5-10 photos taken with your smartphone.
Awards:
- The top 3 award winners from each category will be invited to attend the Awards event in Malaysia. A travel grant will be presented to confirmed attendees only. Awards cannot be exchanged for monetary prizes.
- A special PROJECT STORY GRANT of USD$1,000 will be awarded to the photographer who has opted in o be judged for this grant. The grant is to be used to complete his or her project (producing a book, exhibition, expenses etc) within 6 to 12 months and will be announced by KLPA in the future. The photographer will be invited to participate in one of Invisible Photographer Asia’s (IPA) South East Asian workshops planned in the coming months where the workshop fees will be waived. Travel, accommodation and other expenses are not included
- To highlight and encourage Malaysian youth photography within an international context, KLPA will be awarding three Highly Commended cash prizes worth RM1,000, RM750 and RM500 to Malaysian contestants (including foreign residents) under 25 years of age selected from both categories.
Image requirements: sRGB, JPG format; up to 1500 px on the longest side. Basic darkroom techniques e.g. levels, curves, dodging, burning, minimal sharpening, colour correction are permissable.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Frequently asked questions — Portrait photography contests
Who can enter portrait photography contests?
Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.
Are portrait photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.
How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?
Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.
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.