| Copyright | Copyright in all Photos remains the property of the entrant at all times. Entrant grants Sponsor and its agents, affiliates and subsidiaries a perpetual, unlimited worldwide royalty free license (including the right to sub license), for the maximum legal term of the Photo's copyright protection, with full title guarantee and right to post, publish, and otherwise make use of, entrant’s first name, last initial, address (city/state/country), likeness or picture, biographical information, Photo description(s) and any Photo submitted in publication and/or on the internet, for advertising and/ or promotional use in any media in connection with and/or related to the Contest or a similar competition run by the Sponsor or any of its group companies without notice or compensation of any kind. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 30 November 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedTheme: “Cities of Connections: People, Places, and Perspectives”
Categories:
- Overall winner
- Three regional winners (Americas, EMEA, Asia PacificOne winner per 24 hour category (24 winners in total)
- One mobile winner
- Two youth category winners (13–15 / 16–18)
Prizes:
- The overall UPOTY competition winner will receive a photography trip of a lifetime to a destination of their choice for themselves and a friend.
- Regional winners will be able to take their photos to brand new heights with a photography drone. There will be three regional winners, one for each region – Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific and Americas
- The winner of the mobile category will be awarded a $1000 (USD) technology gift certificate.
- Winners in each category, 13-15 and 16-18 years old, will receive a GoPro package to capture stunning images and videos.
You can submit a minimum of one photo or a maximum of 24 photos (one for each hourly category).
Image requirements: jpg format; at least 300 dpi; RGB/SRGB colour; between 1MB and 8MB in size.
Judging criteria:
- Impact
- Creativity & style
- Composition
- Image or print presentation
- Centre of interest
- Lighting
- Colour balance
- Technical excellence
- Photographic technique
- Story telling & subject matter
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.