| Copyright | Copyright of the images will remain at all times with the photographer. By submitting an entry, you delegate your right for use to the organizer of the competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 15 January 2020 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedPrizes:
- Gold Prize (1 winner): USD 1,400 voucher for purchasing Laowa products, winner trophy and contest commemorative book
- 1st Prize (2 winners for Laowa lens category, 1 winner for non-Laowa lens category): USD 565 voucher for purchasing Laowa products, certificates, and contest commemorative book
- 2nd Prize (3 winners for each category): USD 350 voucher for purchasing Laowa products, certificates and contest commemorative book
- 3rd Prize (4 winners for each category): USD 140 voucher for purchasing Laowa products, certificates and contest commemorative book
- Honorable Mentions (200 mentions in total): Contest commemorative book and certificate
Theme: Think outside the box & Create your own, unique perspective
Categories:
- Images taken with Laowa Wide-Angle lenses
- Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT
- Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D
- Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D
- Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D
- Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D GFX
- Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT
- Images taken with Laowa Macro Lenses
- Images taken with NON-Laowa lenses.
Final winners announcement: March 2020
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. You can submit as many images as you want.
Laowa may ask the finalists to submit the original files for verification within certain days. If any finalists cannot provide original files, he/she will be disqualified. Picture must not be altered by adding, rearranging, reversing, distorting or removing people and/or objects from within the frame (except for astrophotography and macro stack), normal color toning are allowed.
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.