| Copyright | Copyright and moral rights in all images submitted for this Competition remain with the entrants. Notwithstanding this, in consideration of entering the Competition, each entrant agrees to grant the Promoter and the relevant Category Partner a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable, licence of intellectual property rights in the Competition entry and any accompanying materials for the Term, to use, display, publish, transmit, copy, edit, alter, store, re-format and sub-license the Competition entry and any accompanying materials for any purpose connected with the Competition, with a right to sublicense as necessary |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide, 18+ |
| Finish | 18 October 2020 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedPrizes:
- HPY Competition: there will be one prize of £250 cash for the entry chosen by the judges.
- “Historic England” Category: there will be one prize of an English Heritage experience tailored to the winner’s interests, location and abilities and £100 -worth of Historic England publications.
- “Where History Happened” Category: there will be one prize of £50 cash for the entry chosen by the judges.
Photographs may be of any scene or location anywhere in the world, other than in respect of the “Historic England” Category which must be of a subject taken in England
There is a limit of ten entries per person
Image requirements: high resolution JPEGs, with a minimum of 300 dpi resolution and 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels. No photograph uploaded may be larger than 15 MB. Winning and selected entrants may be required to provide the original RAW file (or JPEG as shot) at the Promoter’s discretion. Limited digital enhancements to the images are permitted, but these are restricted to cropping, sharpening, optimising, adjusting contrast and colour balance, HDR and minor retouching.
All Category entrants must be UK residents.
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.