| Copyright | Entrants grant permission to the organizers of the Subsurface 2013 Annual Photo Contest to use the images to post winners on website/social media and/or for promotion of future contests. Organizers may show the competition entries on their web sites. All rights remain with the photographer. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all underwater photographers worldwide |
| Finish | 30 April 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
All subjects must be alive and in their natural environment underwater and all entries need to have been taken by the person submitting the entry. All photos must be taken in a natural water environment, pool or aquarium shots won’t be accepted. Any kind of subject are allowed, e.g. animals, underwater environments, divers, wrecks, freshwater spots.
Categories:
- OM – Open Macro: macro shots of underwater subjects, any underwater image of a 20×15 cm (8×6 inch) or smaller picture area.
- OW – Open Wide Angle: wide angle underwater shots (images show larger area than the designated 20×15 cm in the Macro category).
- C – Compact: wide angle or macro photos taken with a compact camera. (Photos taken with a point and shoot camera eligible only, photos taken with SLRs or any cameras with interchangeable lenses are not eligible.) Using of attached conversion lens is allowed.
4,200 USD in prizes!
The category winners and the public vote winner will be announced on our websites in June.
Jury: Daniel Selmeczi, Danijel Frka and Steven Kovacs.
Each photographer can submit 2 images. Photos taken with a compact camera can be submitted to any categories. Photos taken with an SLR camera or any camera which has interchangeable lens (micro 4/3 etc.) can be submitted only to OM and OW categories. Scanned analog slides can be submitted only to OM and OW categories.
Image requirements: JPEG format only, at least 1800 pixels on widest side (upscaling not allowed), limit file size to 2MB. Colour space: sRGB. Do not delete or modify the original EXIF info.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Frequently asked questions — Nature photography contests
Who can enter nature photography contests?
Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.
Are nature photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates 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 nature photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.
How do I choose which nature contest to enter?
Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.
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.