| Copyright | Entrants retain the copyright to images submitted and grant the organisers a non-exclusive licence to reproduce, enlarge, publish or exhibit, on any media, the images for any purpose directly connected with the competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. But photographs must have been taken in the geographical areas covered by the Durham, Northumberland and Teesside Wildlife Trusts (UK). |
| Finish | 5 May 2014 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Categories:
- Wildlife In The Landscape
- Wildlife In Action
- Wildlife Portrait
- Botanical
- Art In Nature
- Young Person
Prizes:
- The Overall Winners prize is given to the photographer whose photograph is judged to be the most outstanding and memorable of all the entries. They will be awarded a first prize of £250 (in addition to their prize of category winner) and a framed A3 print of their photograph produced by DIGITALAB professional photo lab.
- The winning pictures and best entries will be displayed in the Great North Museum: Hancock (Newcastle upon Tyne) during July-Sept 2014. After this some of the pictures will tour to other venues across the North East and could be on display for several years.
Image requirements: JPEG format; less than 500kb in file size at a resolution of 72 dpi; no longer than 1024 pixels on the longest side. Do not digitally enhance or alter photographs beyond the basics needed to achieve realistic colour balance, contrast and sharpness. All those on the shortlist will be contacted to supply a high-resolution file or print
Photographs must be of wildlife, i.e. not in captivity or restricted in any way. Images can be of native or migrant wild species or of non-native wild species that reside permanently in the UK.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Frequently asked questions — Animal photography contests
Who can enter animal photography contests?
Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.
Are animal photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles 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 animal photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.
How do I choose which animal contest to enter?
Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.
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 — 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.