| Copyright | You agree to their images to be held on CBRE databases and used in conjunction with the promotion of the competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, over 16 years of age, worldwide. |
| Finish | 31 August 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Calling all amateur and professional photographers alike! The CBRE Urban Photographer of the Year competition challenges you to capture what you consider to be the essence of urban life at any time of day, anywhere in the world. Our theme this year, ”Cities at Work’’, encourages you to portray the life of your chosen town or city. The Urban Photographer of the Year will be the person who, in the eyes of the judges, has best captured the brief to portray the life of a town or city at a given time of day. Whilst the photograph does not necessarily have to be taken at that specific time of day, it does need to look as though it was.
You can choose to photograph any town or city at work worldwide.
Theme: ‘Cities At Work’
Categories:
- Travel/Transport
Travel is a vital part of any urban landscape; the Travel/Transport category will house your pictures of modes of transport, journeys and movement. - Workplace
This category will showcase the very best of the competition’s images of people at, or places of, work. - Architecture
Architecture and the built environment is an integral part of urban society. Here we ask you to submit imaginative shots that capture the history, atmosphere and character of a city’s buildings - Urban regeneration
Urban regeneration is seen as essential to revitalising impoverished urban areas, developing communities and improving the infrastructure of society. We are seeking the most thought provoking images depicting how these projects are transforming our urban environment. - Cityscape
By day or night, many city’s have distinctive skyline’s. Can you capture the life and stature of an urban landscape in one photograph? - Environment
Integrating environmental thinking into urban development has resulted in much creativity as cities seek to breathe fresh air into the hustle and bustle of daily life. We’re looking for images that have demonstrated green thinking.
Prizes:
- The overall global winner of the 2013 competition will be able to choose a luxury photo safari from a range of exotic locations sponsored by CBRE.
- Prizes will also be awarded to two runners-up and for the 24 standout images representing each hour of the day.
- Winning entries are also published in a premium hard back coffee table book.
All the winners will be notified in September 2013.
Image requirements: not smaller than 1MB and no larger than 4MB. Images should be in JPEG format. All images must be saved in the RGB colour model and be at a minimum of @300 dpi. (8 X 10)
Each individual may submit one image for each hour of the competition, (a total maximum of 24 images). Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
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 — 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.