| Copyright | entrants agree to have their submitted name and image displayed on our website and used by us for any purpose, at any time, without any fee or other form of compensation. The photographer retains the copyright of their submitted entry. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 31 December 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedTo win the Photographer of the Year award you must accumulate as many points as possible throughout the year by participating in monthly contests.
Prizes:
- grand cash prize of £1000 for the overall winner and £250 for the runner up
- Monthly prizes: one winner and four runners up prizes
Every month the two photographs that receive the most public votes will receive 10 and 5 points respectively.
Each person is allowed to enter up to 30 images per calendar YEAR. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: up to 2 MB in file size; no shorter than 400 pixels on the longest side of the image; 1000 pixels on the longest size with a resolution of 72 dpi would be ideal.
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.
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.