| Copyright | Copyright and all other rights remain that of the photographer. All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by IPA for marketing and promotional purposes including in any media such as exhibitions, print and digital media directly related to the IPA competition, though there may not be monetary compensation, with a credit line. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 30 August 2014 |
| Entry fee | Single Image: from $15 for Students to $35 for Professionals. Submit by March 30, 2014 to receive a 10% early bird discount. |
FinishedDozens of categories for professional and non-professional entrants.
Prizes:
- The Winner of International Photographer of the Year Award – $10,000 cash prize, provided by AtEdge
- The Winner of Discovery of the Year Award – $5,000 cash prize
- The Winner of Deeper Perspective of the Year Award – $5,000 cash prize, provided by American Society of Media Photographers
- The Winner of Moving Image Photographer of the Year Award – $2,500 cash prize
- More prizes:
- Two complimentary tickets to the Lucie Awards
- Work screened at the Lucie Awards
- Published in the IPA Annual
- Press release and newsletter announcements to over 50,000 IPA members
Finalists announced: on The week of September 30, 2014
Image requirements: JPG format; no larger than 800 pixels on the longest side; RGB format; not exceed 4MB per file; 72dpi.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website or by post on a CD. A series consists of at least 2 and no more than 5 photographs, sharing a common theme or concept and a single title. You may submit as many entries, in as many categories, as you wish.
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.
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.