| Copyright | You retain your rights to your photograph and grant the Smithsonian Institution a royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or subsequently developed, for any educational, promotional, publicity, exhibition, archival, scholarly and all other standard Smithsonian purposes. Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit as feasible. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers who are 18+ years of age, worldwide. |
| Finish | 29 November 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Categories:
- the American Experience
- the Natural World
- People
- Travel
- Altered Image
This year we are also looking forward to highlighting the best photographs taken with mobile devices, so as you enter your work into the aforementioned categories, let us know that it was taken with your phone or tablet reader and show us the wonders of this new generation of photography.
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: $2,500
- Category Winners: $500
- Readers’ Choice: $500
- Mobile: The best photo in any of the five categories that was taken with a mobile device will receive $500.
Smithsonian will notify the 50 finalists by February 28, 2014.
You may enter no more than seven photographs in each of the five categories with a total contest submission of thirty-five photographs. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: up to 5 Mb in file size. JPG or GIF format. Photo contest images are judged on computer screens, which have a maximum resolution of 72dpi. When uploading an image, entering a low-resolution file should be fine as long as it is large enough in inches so that the visual integrity of the image is not compromised. Please retain a high-resolution version of your photograph(s) in your personal files. You will need to have a higher-resolution image on hand, at least 300 dpi at 3,000 pixels on the longest side, to be considered in the final rounds of the contest. Only photographs entered into the Altered Images category can be digitally or traditionally manipulated or enhanced.
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.