| Eligibility | You grant NIAF a license to use your submitted photo in perpetuity, royalty-free, worldwide, including to edit, modify, publish, distribute and republish it in any form, media or technology. Otherwise, entrants retain the rights to their images. |
|---|---|
| Finish | 6 October 2014 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThe topic: Finding Italy Beyond Italy
Share your photograph that best captures those moments and scenes that are Italy—only they’re not in Italy. Maybe they’re in your own backyard, maybe in your hometown, or at that Italian American festival, or in the glint of your child’s eye. Where ever or whatever, they just can’t be a photo taken in Italy! Submissions may be poignant, breathtaking, funny, emotional, heartfelt or dramatic. They may be portraits, travel photos, spontaneous moments, family gatherings, ancestors, culinary images, architectural shots, etc. While technical quality, composition and clarity are important, judges will be looking for images that best express finding Italy outside of Italy!
Prizes:
- First Prize:
- • Two tickets (winner and guest) to NIAF’s 39th Anniversary Gala dinner and all Gala events the weekend of October 24-25 in Washington, D.C.
- • Roundtrip airfare for two (within continental United States) if needed to attend.
- • Two-night stay at the Washington Hilton during the Gala weekend (one room).
- • The winning image will be displayed at NIAF’s 2014 Anniversary Gala, on the NIAF website, and on NIAF’s social media.
- • The winning photo will be featured in the 2014 Winter issue of NIAF’s Ambassador magazine, published in December.
- • The winner will receive a one-year associate membership to NIAF (transferable).
- Second Prize: Five Second Prize winners will each receive a one-year associate membership to NIAF (transferable). Second prize images will be displayed at NIAF’s 2014 Anniversary Gala, on the NIAF website, on NIAF’s social media, and in the 2014 Winter issue of NIAF’s Ambassador magazine, published in December.
Winners will be announced on NIAF’s website, Facebook page and other social media on Friday,October 10, 2014.
One submission per person online as a digital photograph.
Image requirements: high-resolution photos (300 dpi jpeg) and larger dimensions are preferable.
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.