| Copyright | Photographer retains all copyrights to their own photos. Selected entries will be used for Umbra Awards promotional purposes only. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, 16+ |
| Finish | 28 December 2018 |
| Entry fee | 15 U.S. dollars for 1-4 photos |
FinishedAwards:
- UMBRA Grand Award Winner “Grand Photographer of the Year Award”. The Jury will choose one Grand Award overall winner from all the categories to receive the Umbra Grand Gold Statue, Cash prize, Umbra Winner Seal and Award certificate.
- Main Category Winners – Professional, Non-Professional and Student. 24 Main Category Winners will receive the Umbra Award Medal, Umbra Winner Seal and Award certificate respectively.
- Category Placers and Honorable Mentions – Professional, Non-Professional and Student. There are Category Placers and honorable mentions, each will receive the Umbra Winner Seal and Award certificate respectively.
Categories:
- People
- Architecture
- Nature
- Fine Art
- Events
- Sports
- Advertising
- Portfolio
- Umbra Black and White
Image requirements: .jpg format in high compression RGB at 72dpi not more than 4MB per entry.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. No signatures, stamp or any other form of identification
Frequently asked questions — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
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.