| Copyright | Entrants will retain copyright of their imagery at all times and will always be credited alongside their picture. you agree to grant the Chartered Institute of Building a royalty-free, non-exclusive license to publish your images. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, 18+ years of age |
| Finish | 21 November 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Theme: "The Art of Building"
If you have a good eye for a photograph and are passionate about the built environment then take part in this year’s Art of Building competition. It is free to enter and your photograph could inspire thousands of people.
The overall Art of Building winner is chosen by both experts and the public. It is a competition that celebrates buildings and the relationship people have with the built environment. Selected photographs feature in real public installations as the competition transforms construction hoarding into gallery spaces.
Prize:
- The winner is awarded the ‘Art of Building Photographer of the Year’ title and the £3,000 cash prize.
Categories:
- Building Inspiration – For images that focus on the architecture of buildings. Photographs in this category showcase the design of a building. This could be anything from an individual element to an entire cityscape.
- Between People and Buildings – This category explores the relationship people have with the built environment. Entries capture a public or industry perspective of the interaction between people and building’s.
- Creative Visions – The built environment is a product of human imagination, invention and talent. Creative Visions is the category that gives a unique and sometimes abstract perspective of the urban world around us.
- Smartphone / Tablet – What can you capture with a mobile device? This is a new category aimed at photographers on the move who can eke out every ounce of creativity their smartphone or tablet has to offer.
- Young Photographer of the Year – For those between 18 and 25 and who might be starting out on a career in photography, or an amateur enthusiast, this category is also open to you.
The Winner will be annouced on February 5, 2014.
Judging criteria:
- RELEVANCY
- COMPOSITION
- FOCUS
- LIGHTING
- CRETIVITY
- CIOB
- SUMMARY
You can submit a total of 3 photographs across any of the categories. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: JPG format; between 2MB and 8MB in file size
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 — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
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.