| Copyright | you grant CIWEM a non-exclusive licence to reproduce, publish and communicate your entry to the public by exhibiting your entry through all media throughout the world in relation to the Environmental Photographer of the Year. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 7 April 2015 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
This competition encourages entries that are contemporary, creative, resonant, challenging, original and beautiful, but most of all, pictures that will inspire people around the world to start taking care of our environment.
Awards:
- The works will be displayed at the Royal Geographical Society in London in June 2015, followed by a tour to forest venues nationally, supported by Forestry Commission England.
- Atkins CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year: £5000
- Atkins CIWEM Young Environmental Photographer of the Year (Under 25): £1000
- Atkins CIWEM Environmental Film of the Year: £1000
- Atkins Cityscape Prize: £1000
- Forestry Commission England Exhibition Award: one photographer will be invited to exhibit a solo show at one of England’s public forests
All entrants will be informed if they have been selected for exhibition by 24 April 2015, by email.
Judges:
- Dr David Haley BA Hons (Fine Art) MA PhD HonFCIWEM – Senior Research Fellow, Director – Ecology In Practice, Route Leader MA Art as Environment
- Brigitte Lardinois – Deputy Director of the Photography and the Archive Research Centre at University of the Arts London
- Tim Parkin – landscape photographer and Editor of On Landscape e
- Hayley Skipper – Curator of Arts Development, Forestry Commission England
- Stephen Vaughan – Photographer and Senior Lecturer, Bath Spa University and Plymouth University
Submit up to 10 still photographs or films. Shortlisted entrants in the Still Photography category will then be required to supply original digital camera RAW files or original JPEGs for their shortlisted images by 8 May 2015.
Image requirements: JPEGs, saved at a high quality level, e.g. 10 in Adobe Photoshop, with a maximum file size of 0.5MB.
Judging criteria:
- Impact – does it illustrate immediate, subtle or resonant messages?
- Creativity – is it unusual, thoughtful, beautiful, subversive or ironic?
- Originality – is the subject treated differently and is the subject matter new?
- Composition – consider the perspective, balance, clarity of meaning and focus of statement
- Technical quality – consider clarity, focus, lighting, exposure and colour
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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 — 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.