| Copyright | Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs Usage Rights: Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. Photos will be credited to the photographer named in the entry form. By entering the contest, photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed on marketing materials of Vibha and Vibha supported projects; and the web pages, website, social media and blogs owned or managed by Vibha (Help Them Grow, Inc) without any fee or other form of compensation. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 15 September 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThemes:
- Education
- Joy of Sharing
- Expressions
Prizes:
- Grand prize: $920 value
- $250 Gift card
- 2 hours of online leadership coaching from Sirius Leadership Coaching ($600 value)
- Annual subscription to Feeln.com ($35 value)
- An opportunity to benefit a Vibha supported project. Vibha Seattle will donate $200 to a project of your choice
- First prize for each theme
- $50 Gift Card
- Annual subscription to Feeln.com ($35 value)
Only one entry is allowed per person. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: JPEG, JPG, GIF or PNG format, and must be at least 1,600 pixels wide (if a horizontal image) or 1,600 pixels tall (if a vertical image). No borders or frames; No watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices. Only minor burning, dodging and/or color correction is acceptable, as is cropping. High dynamic range images (HDR) and stitched panoramas are NOT acceptable.
Judging criteria: Quality, Composition and Impact.
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.