| 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 |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, 18+ |
| Finish | 19 October 2014 |
| Entry fee | $60 for a series of 10 to 20 photos |
Finished
This is an international call to discover the best visual storytellers today — from all corners of the world! We are searching for photography in Documentary, Personal Stories, Photojournalism, Fictional Narratives, and any other photography that tells a story.
Categories:
- Documentary
- Photojournalism
- Personal Stories
- Fictional Narrative
- Open Category
Prizes:
- Five Grand Prize Winners (one for each category) and 20 Finalists will be selected.
- Each of the five Grand Prize Winners will receive a credit of $1,000 USD with our partner, Edition One Books.
- Selected winning photographers will have international screenings of their work presented at festivals, exhibitions, and events attracting hundreds of curators, collectors, publishers and photography professionals from around the world.
Judges:
- James Estrin
- Magdalena Herrera
- Dewi Lewis
- Yumi Goto Jim Casper
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: JPEGs, sized a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side but up to 2000 pixels is even better. Maximum file size 10Mb.
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.