| Copyright | You will retain all rights to any photograph you submit, including ownership if applicable. If your image is selected as a winner in the competition, you grant Santa Fe Photographic Workshops a nonexclusive right to use, in connection with the current and any future Photo Contest, your image on partner and third party promotions and publications. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 31 May 2017 |
| Entry fee | $40 for 3 images; $10 for each additional image over 3 |
FinishedThe portrait. Environmental, studio, candid, or posed. Self or pet, color, black-and-white, alternative process or digital. No matter what the genre, there’s a power in a well-captured portrait, a sense of breath and life. A portrait can comfort us, unnerve us, cause us to smile, or move us to tears. Whatever the emotional response, portraits possess the capacity to connect us all through shared encounters.
1) Grand Prize:
- A Santa Fe Photographic Workshops workshop of your choice (ARV $1,500)
- NEC Color Critical Wide Gamut Desktop Monitor with SpectraViewII (ARV $1,299)
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85MM F/1.8G lens (ARV $480)
- Think Tank Urban Disguise® 50 Classic (V3.0) camera bag (ARV $260)
- B&H $100 Gift Certificate (ARV $100)
- SanDisk Extreme 32GB USB 3.0 thumb drive (ARV $67)
- Santa Fe Workshops Exclusive Inspirational Series DVD gift set (ARV $50)
2) Second Prize:
- Santa Fe Photographic Workshops $500 gift certificate(ARV$500)
- Texas Photographic Society Friend Level Membership (ARV $195)
- LENSBABY Deluxe Creative Mobile Lens Kit ($100)
- B&H $100 Gift Certificate (ARV $100)
- SanDisk Extreme 32GB USB 3.0 thumb drive (ARV $67)
- Epson Legacy Platine Paper 8.5 x 11″, 25 sheets (ARV $49)
- Santa Fe Workshops Exclusive Inspirational Series DVD gift set (ARV $50)
3) Third Prize:
- Santa Fe Photographic Workshops $250 gift certificate (ARV $250)
- Center Supporting Level Membership (ARV $120)
- B&H $100 Gift Certificate (ARV $100)
- SanDisk Extreme 32GB USB 3.0 thumb drive (ARV $67)
- Epson Legacy Platine Paper 8.5 x 11″, 25 sheets (ARV $49)
- Santa Fe Workshops Exclusive Inspirational Series DVD gift set (ARV $50)
4) The Workshops Director’s Award:
- A Santa Fe Photographic Workshops workshop of your choice (ARV $1,500)
- Inn at the Loretto two-night package (ARV $650)
- MindShift Gear UltraLight™ Dual 36L camera bag (ARV $200)
- B&H $100 Gift Certificate (ARV $100)
- Epson Legacy Platine Photo Paper 8.5×11″, 50 sheets (ARV $100)
- SanDisk Extreme 32GB USB 3.0 thumb drive (ARV $67)
- Santa Fe Workshops Exclusive Inspirational Series DVD gift set (ARV $50)
There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant.
Image requirements: 72 ppi resolution; 1,280 pixels on the longest side; sRGB or RGB color space (standard) with layers flattened; 8 bit mode; JPG format with compression at level 7 (at minimum); less than 3MB total size
Judging criteria: originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.
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 — 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.