| Copyright | Copyright of entered photos remains with the photographer in its entirety. However, the photographer grants WEXAS non-exclusive rights to free reproduction of photographs entered for up to three years, on the condition reproductions acknowledge the photographer and their association with the Photography Competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all non-professional photographers who are 18+ years of age, worldwide. |
| Finish | 31 December 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Categories:
- People & Culture (01 May-30 June 2013)
- Landscapes (01 July-30 September 2013)
- Wildlife (01 October-31 December 2013).
Prizes:
- The winner of each category, as determined by the judges, will receive an Olympus E-PL5 camera.
- The overall winner (across the categories) of the grand prize will receive two tickets on the luxury Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, including flights.
- The overall runner-up will receive a tailor-made holiday to Norway, including a Northern Lights photography course.
Judges: Robin Hanbury-Tenison, Steve Watkins and Colin Prior, Jonathan and Angie Scott.
The winner of each category will be notified by the 15th day of the month following the closing date for that category; the winner of the grand prize by 15 January 2014.
You can enter a maximum of three photographs per category and photos need to be taken outside of the UK. Online submission of digital photographs via the webste.
Image requirements: JPG or GIF format; under 10 Mb in file size.
Frequently asked questions — Amateur photography contests
Who can enter amateur photography contests?
Most amateur contests welcome non-professional photographers worldwide—hobbyists, students, and emerging creators. Many explicitly exclude those who earn primary income from photography to ensure a level playing field. Always verify age requirements and amateur-status definitions on the official contest page.
Are amateur photography contests free to enter?
Many are free or low-cost: entry fees typically range from $0–$25 per submission, with student discounts or early-bird rates often available. Fee status and discount tiers are confirmed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do amateur photography contests offer?
Prizes emphasize growth and exposure: cash awards range $100–$2,500, while non-monetary rewards include mentorship feedback, online feature spots, workshop scholarships, or entry credits to advanced contests. Even without large cash prizes, these contests offer valuable confidence-building opportunities.
How do I choose which amateur contest to enter?
Prioritize contests that match your current skill level and genre interests. Look for opportunities offering constructive feedback or educational components, confirm that professional photographers are excluded (if that matters to you), and review rights clauses—even amateur contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.