| Copyright | Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. Photos will be credited to the photographer named in the entry form. Photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed on marketing materials of Vibha and Vibha supported projects; and the webpages, website, social media and blogs owned or managed by Vibha without any fee or other form of compensation |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 15 April 2015 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Themes:
- 1. Innocence
- 2. Urban World
- 3. HDR Category: Colors of Life
Prizes:
- Adorama Grand prize: $850 value: Grand Prize winner gets a $500 gift card from Adorama and Mubi subscription for 10 years
- Most Liked entry on our Facebook page: $450 value: Most Liked Entry winner gets a $100 cash prize and Mubi subscription for 10 years. All qualifying entries will be reduced in size and uploaded to our Facebook page by the Kalakaar Team
- First prize for each theme: $450 value: First Prize winner gets a $100 cash prize and Mubi subscription for 10 years
- Second prize for each theme: $350 value: Second Prize winner gets Mubi subscription for 10 years
- Mubi Exceptional Photo Prizes: $35 value each. Apart from the above mentioned winners, 40 exceptional photographs will be recognized by Mubi and will be awarded one year Mubi subscription to watch great movies.
Only one entry is allowed per person. Online submission of digital photographs via the website. Judging criteria: Quality, Composition and Impact.
Image requirements: JPEG, JPG, GIF or PNG format, at least 1,600 pixels wide (if a horizontal image) or 1,600 pixels tall (if a vertical image). Up to 10 Mb in file size. No borders or frames, watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices
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.