| Copyright | Entrants retain 100% ownership of all rights in and to their Photo, however, by submitting an Entry (and Photo) each Entrant grants: (i) To Sponsor a worldwide, royalty-free, transferable right and fully-paid up, fully-sublicensable, unconditional license to use, publicly perform and publicly display the Entry, in whole or in part, together with or without the Entrant’s name and hometown (except as prohibited by law), in any manner or existing or future medium or format in and in connection with the Contest, or the promotion, publicity, and advertising for the Contest, or other Sponsor products and services, and on and through Site and online public viewing galleries and any other websites and media channels owned or controlled by Sponsor, without any further attribution, notification, or compensation to the Entrant, his or her successors, assigns, or any other person or entity; and (ii) To users of the Media Channels, a worldwide, royalty-free, license to access, distribute, display, rate, review, comment on, and tag the Entry on and through the Media Channels, and to share the Entry using commercially available means. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, 18+ |
| Finish | 8 October 2016 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedSnap and caption (50-100 words) a photo that illuminates the most pressing social issue of our time.
Theme: “Social justice”
Prize:
- One winner will be selected based on the quality of the imagery, visual storytelling, and story told in the caption.
- The winner will receive one one-hour portfolio consultation and one one-hour critique (for a total of two hours), conducted remotely, with VII Photo Co-Founder and Canon Masters Ambassador Gary Knight; and three Creativelive classes
Image requirements: JPEG (JPG), Non-Animated GIF, or PNG format
Online submission of digital photographs via Instagram.
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.