| Copyright | All photographers retain full copyrights for their own work. Winners and Finalists grant LensCulture limited, restricted use of winning photos only to promote the photographers themselves and in connection with marketing the Awards competition itself. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 9 March 2014 |
| Entry fee | From $35 for first image, $5 for each additional |
FinishedCategories:
- Studio
- Candid
- Conceptual
- Environmental
- Street
- Self-Portraits
- Groups & Couples
- Staged
- Alternative Process
- Composites
- Mobile Selfies
Awards:
- PORTFOLIO AWARD – 1st prize: $1500 | 2nd prize: $500 | 3rd prize: $250
- SINGLE IMAGE AWARD – 1st prize: $1000 | 2nd prize: $500 | 3rd prize: $250
- An Exclusive Feature Article in LensCulture.
- Home Page Spotlight: Winners will be highlighted on our home page for six weeks
- 100 top-rated submissions will win LensCulture Portfolio Accounts
You can upload 5 to 10 JPEGs from one single series of work.
Judges: Natasha Egan; Jason Landry; Louise Clements; Jim Casper
Image requirements: less than 5 MBin file size; around 2000 pixels on the longest side.
Frequently asked questions — Portrait photography contests
Who can enter portrait photography contests?
Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.
Are portrait photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.
How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?
Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.
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.