| Copyright | Entrants retain full copyright over their images. However, by submitting images to the competition, you are agreeing to grant Age International a perpetual royalty-free license to use those images in any of their publications, on the website and/or any promotional material. Where appropriate, reasonable efforts will be made to credit the photographer, though this may not always be possible |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all UK residents (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man) |
| Finish | 5 June 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedWe are looking for striking images of older people from around the world. As an international development charity, photographs from low and middle-income countries are particularly welcomed.
Whether they’re images showing the challenges older people face in developing countries or insights into later life globally, the theme ‘Strength For Life’ is open to interpretation, but Age International is looking for thought-provoking photos representing older people from all walks of life.
Categories: Amateur and Professional
Prizes:
- The Amateur category winner will win a photography class, courtesy of The Guardian.
- The winner of the Professional category will receive a £500 voucher from Calumet Photographic.
- Winning images will take pride of place in an exhibition in central London.
Image requirements: JPG or PNG format; no more than 5MB in size. If you are selected as a winner, you must provide a full size image (at least 300 dpi); no black and white, greyscale or sepia images; Composite, stitched, restructured and superimposed images are not allowed. Minor edits, such as colour correction, blemish removal, burning, dodging, healing and cropping are permitted
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. Multiple entries are allowed, up to a maximum of five (5) images per participant.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Frequently asked questions — Portrait photography contests
Who can enter portrait photography contests?
Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.
Are portrait photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.
How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?
Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.
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 — 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.