| Copyright | Photographers retain the copyright of any entered photos. Your entry into this photography competition constitutes your agreement to grant the Galapagos Conservation Trust (a) a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free license to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the photographs you submit to the Galapagos Conservation Trust, for use in any Galapagos Conservation Trust publication or webpage related to the Photographic Competition, and to be used in Galapagos Conservation Trust promotions |
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| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. Images must be taken within the Galapagos Archipelago. |
| Finish | 9 June 2019 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedCategories:
- Up close and personal
- Animal behaviour
- Landscape
- Underwater
- Urban life
- Environmental threats
Prizes:
The overall winner of the competition will receive:
- Two tickets to GCT’s Galapagos Day 2019 event on October 30
- A year’s free membership to GCT
- A copy of GCT’s 2020 calendar
- Their winning image included in the 2020 calendar (if landscape)
- Their winning image featured online and in the competition display at Galapagos Day
The winner of each category will receive a copy of GCT’s 2020 calendar.
The overall winner of the Young Photographer competition will receive:
- An animal adoption of their choice
- A copy of GCT’s 2019 calendar
Images must be taken within the Galapagos Archipelago. This includes all land area, and extends out to the 40 Nm boundary of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Each entrant may enter up to 6 photos in any of the categories listed.
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Judging criteria: originality, composition, clarity, technical excellence, overall impact, and artistic merit
Image requirements: 1600 pixels on the shortest edge; minimum resolution of 300 dpi. The maximum file size is 5MB and the minimum is 2 Mb; JPG format.
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.