| Copyright | Contestants retain copyright and any other intellectual property rights in their submitted photos. However, by entering the contest, all entrants are agreeing to give a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to the City, and anyone it authorizes, to display, distribute, modify, crop reproduce, and create derivative works, of the entrants in any media now existing or subsequently developed including the Internet, for any City purpose including, but not limited to, advertising and promotion. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | open to individuals who are residents of Ontario |
| Finish | 16 February 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
The contest theme is sharing memorable moments and experiences of winter indoors and outdoors in Toronto parks, urban forest, ravines and recreation facilities. These may be personal moments from the contestant’s experiences or experiences of others that illustrate how the City’s parks, urban forest and recreation programs and facilities contribute to enhancing the quality of life for Toronto residents.
Categories:
- Colour in Winter
- Family Fun
- Walking in a Winter Wonderland
- The Great Indoors
- Winter Wildlife
- Toronto Walking Tour
Prizes:
- The Grand Prize will be a Nikon D3300 camera kit, including the camera body, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II and AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II lenses, and a Nikon camera bag and a space in Kristian Bogner’s Photographic Rockstar Workshop.
- The first place winners in the Family Fun, Winter Wildlife and The Great Indoors categories will receive a Nikon COOLPIX AW130
- The first place winners in the Colour in Winter and Walking in a Winter Wonderland categories will receive a Nikon COOLPIX S3700
- The first place winner in the Toronto Walking Tour category will receive a space in Kristian Bogner’s Photographic Rockstar Workshop
Contestants may enter up to five photos in each category.
Image requirements: JPEG or PNG format, of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels. Photos can be in colour, black and white, sepia tone or duotone and must be taken in Toronto.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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.