| Copyright | Entrants retain full copyright to the submitted images |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to students from USA |
| Finish | 15 November 2020 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedAwards:
- Five Digital SLR Cameras will be awarded to five high school students. (High school applicants should only submit still photographs. The video awards are for college and graduate students only.)
- Five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to five college or technical school students, payable to their school. Four awards will be for video work while one will be for still photography.
- One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to one graduate student, payable to their school, for video work.
Focus of work and entries: PHOTOJOURNALISM. Scholarships will be awarded to those students whose work “tells a story”. This is a fairly broad topic and may include a variety of subject matter and approaches (breaking news, sporting events, etc.) Please keep in mind, for the still photography submissions, that we are NOT looking for “art” photography.
Please enter only 5 images. Each image should be jpeg file format with a maximum of 2500 pixels on the longer side and 4 MB file size. Images should be at monitor resolution. Photos submitted must be an honest representation of what happened in front of the camera during exposure. You may, if needed, post-process the images electronically — but only in accordance with good practice.
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.