| Copyright | Copyright and all other rights remain that of the photographer. All entrants grant to IFES of a royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to display, distribute, reproduce, edit and create derivative works of the Contest Entry photograph, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or subsequently developed, for any and all purposes, including promotional purposes. Any Contest Entry photograph(s) used by IFES shall carry the photographer's credit line as deemed appropriate by IFES. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 12 July 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedIFES sponsors an annual photography contest to showcase photos of elections and democracy from around the world. The contest seeks photographs of individuals taking part in elections or other activities that demonstrate the value of democratic governance and civic engagement.
Categories:
- Election Management
- Electoral Integrity and Transparency
- Citizen Participation
- Inclusion and Empowerment
Prizes:
- The winner of each category will receive $800 (USD).
- The grand prize winner will be featured on the cover of IFES’ 2014 wall calendar.
- IFES staff will select the IFES Choice winner, which will also receive $800 (USD)
Judging criteria:
- Creativity: Is the subject matter pictured in a unique way? Is the image captured from an interesting point of view? Does the photograph demonstrate originality?
- Technical Quality: Is the photograph in focus? Is lighting in balance? Is there good use of color, brightness, contrast and saturation?
- Composition: Does the photograph tell the story of the theme for which it was submitted? Does the photograph bring together the visual elements to express the purpose of the image? Can the viewer immediately identify the subject?
Judges:
- Susan Biddle, freelance photographer and former Washington Post and White House staff photographer
- Laura Pohl, photographer and filmmaker
- Dmitry Shevkun, Chief of Party, Kyrgyz Republic and avid photographer
Image requirements: JPEG, JPG or TIFF format, and must be at least 1,600 pixels wide (if a horizontal image) or 1,600 pixels tall (if a vertical image). Up to 8 Mb in file size. cropping, minor burning, dodging, contrast and other color correction. High dynamic range images (HDR) and stitched panoramas are NOT acceptable. Watermarks are not acceptable.
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.