| Copyright | Copyright of the materials submitted for this contest remains with the respective entrants. However, each entrant grants the EEA the right to use the submitted materials in its environmental communication crediting the copyright owners. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to residents of all EU countries plus Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia as well as Kosovo |
| Finish | 30 September 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThe European Environment Agency (EEA) invites you to share your views about waste in Europe.
Prizes:
- The winner of each category (photo, video, cartoons) will be awarded a cash prize of EUR 500.
- In addition, a Youth Prize of EUR 500 will be awarded to the winning entry, selected among those submitted by persons aged between 18 and 24 (born in calendar years 1995-1989) to any of the competition categories.
- All the finalists will be put forward for the People’s Choice Award and may also feature in future digital and print material from the EEA and its European partners.
The announcement of the winners will be made 16 December 2013.
Judging criteria:
- Relevance of your story to the competition topic
- Creativity expressed
- Artistic ability
- Persuasiveness of the story
Image requirements: lover 2000px on the longest side; uploaded to an online sharing site, such as YouTube, Vimeo, Flickr, Shutterfly, Snapfish or Photobucket.
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.