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The PDN Objects of Desire Contest

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Prizes and categories:

  • FOOD AND STILL LIFE
    • FIRST-PLACE CATEGORY WINNER PRIZE: A one-week photography workshop courtesy of Maine Media Workshops.
  • OBJECTS AND INTERIORS
    • FIRST-PLACE CATEGORY WINNER PRIZE: The new Apple iPad and 12-month subscription to Adobe® Creative Cloud.
  • BELOVED (Significant others, friends, children or pets.)
    • FIRST-PLACE CATEGORY WINNER PRIZE:  A Fujifilm FinePix X100 camera.
  • All Winning images will be in the November issue of PDN and in an extended online gallery and will be exhibited at the 2013 PDN PhotoPlus Expo and seen by 20,000 attendees

Image requirements: JPG format; 1,000 pixels on the longest dimension; color profiled in sRGB, Adobe-1998 or not color-managed.

Judging criteria: creativity, photographic quality and effectiveness in expressing the contest and category theme.

Judges:

  • Christopher Martinez
  • Melissa Kemp
  • Shelley Caldwell
  • Allison Chin

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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.

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