| Copyright | AI-AP does not retain any rights to your work when you make your Open submissions. Upon selection, permission is given only for use in the book, website, finalists exhibit and any promotion for American Photography relevant to the contest. Proper artist credit is always given along with contact information where applicable. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers |
| Finish | 31 August 2021 |
| Entry fee | $20 (one image). Each additional entry will be $10. |
FinishedPrizes:
- The Open Grand Prize winner will receive $5000, their choice of a Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD (for Canon or Nikon DSLR and mirrorless with mfg. adapter; $1299 value) -or- both Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD and Tamron 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (for Sony e-mount; $1628 total value), a SanDisk 1 TB Extreme Pro Portable SSD, a PhotoShelter 2 year Pro account and a 2 hour business consultation with The Photo Closer
- The Open finalists will receive a Tamron Prime Lens (choose from models F050, F051, F053 for Sony e-mount or F012 or F013 for DSLRs; value up to $599), a SanDisk 128GB Extreme Pro SD card and a PhotoShelter 1 year standard account.
Image requirements: JPG files, 72dpi, RGB, up to 1000 pixels on the LONGEST side, up to 20MB. If selected, we will request hi-res files at minimum 300 dpi, 20×13″, CMYK for reproduction.
Online submission of digital files.
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.