| Copyright | Contest Participants grant the Organizer the right to use the Photo Images submitted to the Contest. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to professional photographers aged at least 18 and no more than 33 years old, worldwide |
| Finish | 28 February 2021 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedCategories:
- Top News – one photo image/series of images
- Sports – one photo image/series of images
- My Planet – one photo image/series of images
- Portrait. A Hero of Our Time – one photo image/series of images
Prizes:
- – The Grand Prize winner – RUB 700,000
- – The first place winner in each category for an individual Photo Image or a Series of Photo Images – RUB 125,000
- – The second place winner in each category for an individual Photo Image or a Series of Photo Images – RUB 100,000
- – The third place winner in each category for an individual Photo Image or a Series of Photo Images – RUB 75,000
Winners and Runners-up will be announced on June 16, 2021.
Entries can contain a single photograph or series of no more than 12 photographs.
Image requirements: JPG files with compression from 10 and 2,200 px in size; up to 5,700 px on the long side; maximum 20 Mb in file size; Files must contain all EXIF data. Minor processing of the Photo Images is allowed, including cropping, white balance correction, density correction (brightness, contrast). Photo Images with a frame, collages, heavily processed Images are not accepted. Photo montage, erasing, replacing or changing of parts of Images are not acceptable.
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.