| Copyright | All entrants grant a royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive license to Sponsor, to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the photographs (along with a name credit) in connection with the Contest and promotion of the Contest |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open only to legal residents of the United States who are between the ages of 6 and 14 |
| Finish | 15 October 2014 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Categories:
- Amazing Animals (photos of pets, zoo animals, or wild animals)
- Dare to Explore (photos of outdoor scenery)
- Weird But True (photos that capture something odd or funny)
- Wild Vacation (photos taken during vacation travels, including pictures of vacation destination landmarks, monuments, celebrations or festivals, food, etc.)
Prizes:
- One Grand Prize – a National Geographic Costa Rica Family Adventure for the Grand Prize winner and one parent or legal guardian. Prize includes double accommodations, most meals, and activities as described in the Catalog. Prize includes coach class roundtrip air transportation between a major international gateway airport near the winner’s home
- Four First Place Winners get a 20.1-megapixel digital camera; an 8GB memory card; a copy of the books 100 Things to Do Before You Grow Up, Weird But True: Ripped From the Headlines, the National Geographic Kids Cookbook, and Mission: Polar Bear Rescue.
- Four Second Place Winners get a 16.1-megapixel digital camera; an 8GB memory card; a copy of the books 100 Things to Do Before You Grow Up and Weird But True: Ripped From the Headlines.
No entrant may submit in total more than one entry per Category. Online submission of digital entries via the website or prints by post.
Judging Criteria:
- Creativity 50%
- Photographic Quality 50%
Image requirements: 5 megabytes or smaller, must be in JPEG or JPG format, and must be at least 1,600 pixels wide (if a horizontal image) or 1,600 pixels tall (if a vertical image). Minor burning, dodging and/or color correction is acceptable. Cropping is acceptable, as are fish-eye lenses.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Frequently asked questions — Animal photography contests
Who can enter animal photography contests?
Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.
Are animal photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles 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 animal photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.
How do I choose which animal contest to enter?
Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.
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.