| Copyright | Entrant grants Sponsor an irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide perpetual license to use the entry for promotion purposes |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to US residents only. |
| Finish | 15 May 2014 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Prizes:
- First Place Prize Publication in the September/October 2014 issue Digital Photo, $500 in cash, Manfrotto MK190XPRO3190 kit – alu 3-section horiz. column tripod + ball head, A 32GB Professional 600x SDHC UHS-1 memory card from Lexar, Hoodman Compact HoodLoupe, Tamrac Apache 6 Camera/Tablet Bag, Lumiquest Ready for Anything Kit, and online publication of the winning photo in the Winners Gallery
- Second Place Prize : Tamrac Mirage 4 Photo/Tablet Backpack, 16GB micro SDHC USH-1 memory card from Lexar, Lumiquest A Strobist® lighting kit, and online publication of the winning photo in the Winners Gallery.
- People’s Choice Prize Online publication of the winning photo in the Winners Gallery.
Winners will be announced in the September/October 2014 issue of Digital Photo, and winning photos will also be posted in an online gallery available through the Digital Photo website.
Judging criteria: Adherence to Theme, Composition and Creativity/Originality
Image requirements: JPG or .GIF format; up to 4mb in file size.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. It is allowed to enter 5 photos maximum per person.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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 — 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.