| Copyright | Artists retain copyright to submitted images. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 30 June 2013 |
| Entry fee | $35 first 5 images, $10 each additional |
FinishedTheme: Ambient Light: A Natural Luminosity
Many of history’s greatest photographs and film shots have relied on interesting ambient light. Unusual lighting can turn an otherwise ordinary shot into something very powerful.
Ambient light is found light that surrounds you and is already present in a scene. Sometimes referred to as “natural light” or “existing light,” ambient light can be the found inside a home, a restaurant or concert hall, or a bright, sunny day, a deep foggy day, a city at night…in other words, any kind of pre-existing light. This is found light, not additional light that you, the photographer, might choose to add, such as flash.
Awards:
- First Place – $400
- Second Place – $300
- Third Place – $200
- Three Honorable Mentions. Prizes and Awards include a free Black & White Exhibition Book
- Accepted Images: All images selected by juror will be exhibited throughout the Mpls Photo Center Galleries (March 9th through April 22nd, 2012) and published in an Exhibit Book for purchase.
Winners will be announced July 7th, 2013.
Juror: Jim Brandenburg
Image requirements: sRGB or RGB color space; 72 ppi resolution; flatten layers, 8 bit JPEG files with compression level 8 (medium); sized to 1,280 pixels on the longest side.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
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 — 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.