| Copyright | By entering this competition, entrants grant TAI non-exclusive permission to use the pictures for activities in all media, including social media, online and print, under the creative commons license without any remuneration being due. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 13 January 2020 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThe winner will be announced on February 7 and will receive a work grant of US$8,000 to carry a photographic project to produce at least 30 photographs related to the themes of government and corporate transparency and accountability.
Photographers are not constrained in what they submit, but potential themes might include manifestations of transparency and accountability in how citizens interact with government, use of public resources, sharing and use of data, integrity of companies and governments.
Contestants may submit up to five photos [but not less than three photos] relating to the theme of the competition with a proposal detailing the Who, What, Where, When, and How of the photo essay to be produced.
Image requirements: JPEG or JPG format, with high quality and resolution, of a maximum of 3MB in size but not lower than 1MB. All submitted photo(s) must not contain any tag(s), signature(s), initial(s), frame(s), border(s), logo(s) or any other references and/or marks added by the contestant.
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.