| Copyright | All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by Sony World Photography Awards, for the sole purpose of promoting the competition and the photographers themselves. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 5 January 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedSections:
- Professional – 14 categories, judged on a series of images, aimed at serious photographers
- Open – 10 categories, judged on a single image, open to all
- Youth – 3 categories, for photographers aged 12-19
- Student Focus – for those studying photography
- National Award – finding the best single image taken by a local photographer in over 50 countries
The awards have brought unrivalled global reward and recognition to those involved and each year offers an incredible $25K for the Professional winner and $5K for the Open winner, plus the latest Sony digital imaging equipment and more.
In the Professional competition you can enter a minimum of three and a maximum of 10 images per category. You may enter as many categories as you wish. In the Open and Youth competitions, you can enter up to 3 images in total for free. These images may be entered across any of the categories.
Image requirements: no smaller than 800KB and no larger than 5MB. JPEG or TIFF format; RGB colour model; All entrants must be able to supply a high resolution image suitable for printing in exhibitions and marketing materials should the image be required.
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.