| Copyright | Entrant will retain the copyright of the Entrant's submitted photos at all times and irrevocably grants the Released Parties a royalty-free non-exclusive license throughout the world to use, re-use, copy, publish, republish in whole or in part, edit, add to, modify, and rearrange the entry in whatever media |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | open to legal residents of the USA or Canada (excluding the province of Quebec) who are at least 18 years of age |
| Finish | 31 May 2017 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedPrizes:
- The winner of the People’s Choice Grand Prize earns a spot on the Classic Polar Bear Photo Adventure with Natural Habitat Adventures. This is a 7-day, 6-night trip, valued at $7,900 USD.
- The winner of the Experts’ Choice Grand Prize earns a spot on the Great Alaskan Grizzly Photo Adventure with Natural Habitat Adventures. This is an 8-day, 7-night trip, valued at $10,200 USD.
- Eight Honorable Mention Awards will win a $150 gift card to B&H photography store.
Submit up to three of your best wildlife photos. Submitted photos should depict animals in their natural habitat. Please, do not submit photos of animals in captivity, including but not limited to zoos, aquariums, or farms. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Judging criteria:
- Originality (20%)
- Technical Distinction (20%)
- Superior Composition (20%)
- Artistic Excellence (20%)
- Overall Impression (20%)
Image requirements: at least 500 KB and at least 1024 pixels on the long edge; JPEG, PNG, or TIFF format. No borders.
Frequently asked questions — Animal photography contests
Who can enter animal photography contests?
Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.
Are animal photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles 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 animal photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.
How do I choose which animal contest to enter?
Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.
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.