| Copyright | All copyright and title to all submissions remains with the entrant in its entirety and the entrant grants to organizers and the competition sponsors non-exclusive non-transferable rights to reproduction and exhibition of submissions. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all Canadian residents and international Verge subscribers |
| Finish | 16 June 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
We know that you are travellers and that you believe in the concept of travel with purpose. You¹ve told us that the time you spent volunteering, working, or learning abroad was life-changing. Now we want to see it through your lens‹the fun times, the hard times, the once-in-a-lifetimes.
The challenge? Help us see the world differently.
Show us a snippet of that life-changing journey, and tell us why it mattered. Give us a picture of how you are making a difference‹or show us the people, places and experiences that are making a difference to you.
Categories:
- People
Photographs that tell a story about the people you’ve met on your travels, the social interactions, the individuals, their lives and livelihoods and special moments you’ve experienced that make a community unique. - Places
Show us the incredible landscapes, dark alleyways, crowded marketplaces, dusty plains, chaotic urban scenes, stunning wilderness vistas – all the strange and special places you’ve discovered on your travels. - Projects and issues
Meaningful travel involves learning about people and cultures around the world, their traditions, ideas and issues they face. Show us the photographs you’ve taken that step beyond the pictorial to tell a clear story about what you’ve discovered on your travels.
Prizes:
- Grand Prize – The overall best in show will be awarded a prize of $1,000 Canadian.
- Category Winners – The winning image in each category will be awarded a travel prize pack, including two travel guidebooks, a t-shirt and Verge Magazine subscription.
- Short-listed Images – Up to fifteen images in each contest category will be short-listed, for exhibition at the 2013 Toronto and Montreal Go Global Expos and for publication in the Photo Annual Edition of Verge Magazine. Short-listed photographers will receive Verge Magazine subscriptions.
All winners will be notified by telephone or email on or before February 1, 2014.
Image requirements: JPG format; minimum of 1500 x 2100 pixels (or 3.1 megapixels); allowed: levels, curves, brightness, contrast, shadow and highlight levels, saturation, sharpening and noise reduction, cropping and selected burning or shading.
OFFICIAL 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.
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.