| Eligibility | You retain copyright to your photograph and your photos will not be sold or used for commercial purposes. Entries may be posted online so that viewers can view competing entries. Winning entries may only be used in exhibitions and promotions directly related to the Tokyo International Photography Competition. |
|---|---|
| Finish | 29 June 2015 |
| Entry fee | $30 per set of 6 images |
Finished
Theme: The Human Condition
What does it mean to be human? For Sartre, it meant freedom and responsibility – the freedom to choose, the responsibility to act and define one’s place in life. Irvin Yalom gave us the four “givens” of existence: meaning, loneliness, freedom, and mortality. The Human Condition is our eternal search for purpose, but also our capacity for good – and evil. It is kinship, honor, our thirst for knowledge, the pursuit of happiness – but just as often it is the harbinger of pain, death, betrayal, war, the deception of ourselves and of others.
Prizes:
- A group of 8 photographers will be selected for a curated traveling exhibition that will be presented at:
- Tokyo International Photo Festival – Tokyo
- United Photo Industries Gallery – New York
- GuatePhoto Festival – Guatemala City
- one photographer will receive: All-expenses paid trip to Tokyo, to participate in the Tokyo International Photo Festival and Portfolio Review taking place in October 2015
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. An entry consists of no more than 6 images, whether individual (single) images or as an image series (6 images, thematically connected). You may enter the competition as many times as you like. Judging criteria: creativity, sense of place and capturing the moment.
Image requirements: JPEG images saved with max quality compression with a long dimension of at least 1,400 pixels at 72dpi and no more than 2000 pixels, with either Adobe1998, sRGB or untagged color space; less than 3 megabytes in size.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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.