| Copyright | you agree that any winning image or shortlisted images you submit may be used by Calumet Photographic for the purpose of this competition and future contests, which includes images being displayed across Calumet Photographic & third party websites, social media channels, publications and to be exhibited at the Photography Show, NEC. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to UK students only |
| Finish | 13 March 2015 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Prizes:
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body
- Eizo Monitor
- Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II Lens
- Fotospeed Inkjet Paper – Selection of Media
- Canon 70-200MM F2.8LIS II Lens
- Veho Muvi Action Camera
- Canon 600 EX Speedlite
- Rotolight Neo Light
- Canon Pixma Pro-100 Printer
- Bowens 500/500R Twin Head Kit with Bowens Pulsar Tx Trigger Kit
- Manfrotto 055 Aluminium Kit with Ball Head
- X-Rite ColorMunki Photo
- Manfrotto XPRO 3 Way Head
- DxO Optics Pro Elite
- Manfrotto Spectra LED 500F
- DxO Filmpack Elite
- Manfrotto Pro-light Multipro Backpack and many more…
- The overall winner of the Calumet Student Photographer of the Year will be invited to attend The Photography Show at the NEC Birmingham on Tuesday 24 March 2015 where the award and prizes will be presented on stage at the Student Conference.
- An exhibition of all the shortlisted images will also be on display at the show.
Judges: Calumet’s Managing Director, Jon Warner; Professional Photographer, Rory Lewis; Canon’s Product Intelligence Professional, David Parry; Professional Photographer, Tom Barnes
Submit a single photo of their best work by email. You must register using your email linked to your college/university as this will be used for student verification.
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.