| Copyright | Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. Photos will be credited to the photographer named in the entry form. Photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed on marketing materials of Vibha and Vibha supported projects; and the webpages, website, social media and blogs owned or managed by Vibha (Help Them Grow, Inc) without any fee or other form of compensation. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to amateur photographers only, worldwide. |
| Finish | 1 December 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
HDRsoft Kalakaar 2013, is an international online photography for amateurs.
Categories:
- 16 years and below
- 17 years and above
Themes:
- World of Joy
- Helping Hand
Prizes:
- Grand Prize – One grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $500 and a Zenfolio unlimited account (a $60 value donation).
- First Prize
- One first place winner will be chosen in each age category for each theme. All first place winners will receive an 18×24 canvas print of their photo, an optional contract with Artsmart to sell their work (a $100 dollar value sponsorship) and cash prizes as follows:
- World of Joy
- 17 years and above – $100 cash prize
- 16 years and below – $50 cash prize
- Helping Hand
- 17 years and above – $100 cash prize
- 16 years and below – $50 cash prize
- World of Joy
- One first place winner will be chosen in each age category for each theme. All first place winners will receive an 18×24 canvas print of their photo, an optional contract with Artsmart to sell their work (a $100 dollar value sponsorship) and cash prizes as follows:
- Second Prize
- One second place winner will be chosen in each age category for each theme. All second place winners will receive cash prizes as follows:
- World of Joy
- 17 years and above – $75 cash prize
- 16 years and below – $25 cash prize
- Helping Hand
- 17 years and above – $75 cash prize
- 16 years and below – $25 cash prize
- World of Joy
- One second place winner will be chosen in each age category for each theme. All second place winners will receive cash prizes as follows:
- Third Prize
- 17 years and above – Ten third place winners receive ‘Winner’ certificates issued by Certlog and their photograph will be showcased on Vibha, Kalakaar and associated social media.
- 16 years and below – Ten third place winners receive ‘Winner’ certificates issued by Certlog and their photograph will be showcased on Vibha, Kalakaar and associated social media.
Only one photo can be submitted per person. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: 5 megabytes or smaller in file size; JPEG, JPG, PNG or GIF format; at least 1600 pixels on its longest side. No borders. Only minor burning, dodging and/or color correction is acceptable, as is cropping. High dynamic range images (HDR) and stitched panoramas are NOT acceptable.
Judging Criteria: Creativity; Photographic quality; genuineness/authenticity of the content.
Frequently asked questions — Amateur photography contests
Who can enter amateur photography contests?
Most amateur contests welcome non-professional photographers worldwide—hobbyists, students, and emerging creators. Many explicitly exclude those who earn primary income from photography to ensure a level playing field. Always verify age requirements and amateur-status definitions on the official contest page.
Are amateur photography contests free to enter?
Many are free or low-cost: entry fees typically range from $0–$25 per submission, with student discounts or early-bird rates often available. Fee status and discount tiers are confirmed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do amateur photography contests offer?
Prizes emphasize growth and exposure: cash awards range $100–$2,500, while non-monetary rewards include mentorship feedback, online feature spots, workshop scholarships, or entry credits to advanced contests. Even without large cash prizes, these contests offer valuable confidence-building opportunities.
How do I choose which amateur contest to enter?
Prioritize contests that match your current skill level and genre interests. Look for opportunities offering constructive feedback or educational components, confirm that professional photographers are excluded (if that matters to you), and review rights clauses—even amateur contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
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.