| Copyright | all entrants grant a license in the Entries to the Authorized Parties, and acknowledge that any Authorized Party may use the entries and a name credit in any media now or hereafter known, without restriction in relation to promotion, publicity, news, or informational education, or awareness of APhA. Copyright over all submissions remain the property of their respective entrants. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers who are 18+ years of age, worldwide. |
| Finish | 19 May 2013 |
| Entry fee | Single image is $35 for professionals, $25 for non-professionals, $20 for students in accredited institutions, and $20 for social media photographers |
Finished
AX3 – American Aperture Awards is an international open call for photography possessing uncommon vision. This opportunity is open to photographers of all backgrounds who capture images that make the unknowable known. Our goal is to celebrate the most iconic photos taken by new and emerging talent, as well as professionals, from around the world and award their photographic insights.
Categories (for non-professional):
- Abstract
- Advertising
- Architecture/Cityscape
- Collage
- Documentary
- Experimental
- Fashion
- Landscape/Seascape/Nature
- Nudes
- People/Portraits
- Political
- Still Life
- Street Photography
- Video/Moving Images
- CHECK OUT CATEGORIES FOR PROFESSIONAL AND MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY
Awards:
- Grand Prize: Photographer of the Year Award
- Emerging Prize: Emerging Photographer of the Year Award
- Mobile Prize: Mobile Photographer of the Year Award
- 15 Category Winners
- Cash Awards
- Gallery Representation
- Work exhibited in the U.S. and Australia
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. There is no limit to the number of individual images or image series each artist may submit.
Image requirements: Grayscale or RGB profile; JPEG format; Resolution of 72 dpi; Longest dimension should not exceed 1280 pixels, with a minimum size of 200 pixels; Digital file should not exceed 4 MB; Layers must be flattened
OFFICIAL 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.