| Copyright | the contestant retains copyright and remains the owner of her/his photograph. The contestant agrees that the submitted image may be used once in a virtual exhibition for honouring the twenty finalist images on the Teutloff Museum website. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, 18+ |
| Finish | 31 March 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedTheme: “The Face Of Freedom”
‘The Face of Freedom’ is multi-faceted. It’s not only the portrait itself, but also reflects democratic behaviour and political awareness from the photographer’s point of view.
How can the ‘freedom’ or the ‘lack of freedom’ be visualized in images. This contest asks you to show us the many faces of freedom.
Prizes:
- 1st Grand Prize: EUR 5,000
- 2nd Grand Prize: EUR 3,000
- 3rd Grand Prize: EUR 2,000
The twenty entries that receive the highest overall number of likes will be selected as the ‘Finalists’ and will be announced on the Facebook page. This final round of judging will be conducted by Prof. Dr. Klaus Honnef (art historian, freelance publicist, theorist of artistic photography), Roland Nachtigäller (artistic director of Marta Herford) and Prof. Dr. h.c. Peter Weibel (visual artist, media theorist, director of Center for Art and Media?ZKM, Karlsruhe).
The winners will be notified through Facebook message by end of April 2016.
The final judging is based on creativity, quality, originality and responsiveness to the prompt. Each contestant can submit only one still photography via Facebook.
Image requirements: under 25 MB, the recommended file formats are JPEG/JPG of at least 150 dpi.
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.