| Copyright | Full ownership and copyright of the photo will remain with the owner. By entering permission is given to use any photos in the Gallery Exhibition in Pretoria. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 31 July 2015 |
| Entry fee | USD 50 for single photos and portfolios (3-5 photos) |
FinishedDuring the current difficult times worldwide – economic hardship, xenophobia, escalating terror attacks, wars displacing millions, human trafficking and environmental challenges – we all need to contribute to a better future.
Photography has always been an important way of expression, comment and change. What does the current world in turmoil tell us? Where to from here? Is there hope? How do we get to a better future? Let your photos show the way.
Categories:
- Primary School (13 years and younger)
- High School (13-18 years)
- Students and young people (18-25 years)
- Open category for Adult Amateur (categories 1 – 3 may also enter here)
- Professional (full time income from photography)
- International (any entry outside RSA)
Awards:
- The winners in each category (single photo and portfolio each separately) will share the R20 000 prize fund as follows: 1. R500 2. R1000 3. R1 500. 4. R2 000 5. R5 000.
- An exhibition of winners and selected entries will be held in Pretoria at the gallery of the highly esteemed Pretoria Art Association.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. Participants may enter either a single photo or a themed portfolio of 3 to 5 photos or both. There is no limit to the amount of entries, but every entry is subject to the full entry fee for that category and there is no discounts.
Image requirements: not smaller than 500kb or larger than 3MB; JPEG format. Participants will have to supply a high resolution suitable for printing if asked of them for the prize winner’s exhibition.
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.