| Copyright | The photographer will be credited for the use of their work, wherever practicable, as the Prize exists in part to raise the profile of the exhibiting artists. The photographer or their representatives agree unconditionally that the National Portrait Gallery may reproduce any exhibited photographs for the purposes of marketing, promotion, discussion and education in direct connection with the Photographic Portrait Prize and exhibition |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, 18+ |
| Finish | 6 July 2015 |
| Entry fee | £27.00 per photograph entered |
Finished
Theme: Contemporary portrait photography. ‘Portrait’ may be interpreted in its widest sense of ‘photography concerned with portraying people with an emphasis on their identity as individuals’.
Prizes:
- The winner of the competition will receive £12,000.
- In addition the judges, at their discretion, will award cash prizes to one or more shortlisted photographers.
- All selected photographers under the age of 30 will also be eligible for the John Kobal New Work Award. The winning photographer will receive £4,000 and a commission from the Gallery to photograph a sitter connected with the UK film industry.
- The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2015 exhibition will run at the Gallery from 12 November 2015 to 21 February 2016 before touring to venues around the UK.
You can enter up to 6 photographs in the competition. Photographers may submit individual portraits or portraits in series. A ‘series’ may mean either a group of separate portraits around a particular theme, or a number of pictures that when shown together combine to make up a single portrait work. Online submission of digital photographs via the website or by post.
Image requirements: Photographers selected for the exhibition will need to provide the Gallery with a Tiff file of their photograph for use in the catalogue and exhibition marketing campaign. This file would need to be a minimum of 350dpi, 4800 pixels on the shortest side.
Frequently asked questions — Portrait photography contests
Who can enter portrait photography contests?
Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.
Are portrait photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.
How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?
Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.
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.