| Copyright | Copyright of all entries remains with the photographer, but Time Inc (UK), Sigma and their associated group companies reserve the right to use, publish and republish entries in connection with the competition, without payment. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to bona fide amateur photographers and students only. |
| Finish | 4 November 2022 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedRounds:
1. Low Light
Opens 8th February | Closes 4th March | Shortlist 12th March | Results on Photocrowd 8th April
2. Black and White
Opens 4th March | Closes 25th March | Shortlist 9th April | Results on Photocrowd 6th May
3. Travel
Opens 26th March | Closes 22nd April | Shortlist 7th May | Results on Photocrowd 3rd June
4. Landscapes
Opens 23rd April | Closes 20th May | Shortlist 24th June | Results on Photocrowd 1st July
5. Best of British
Opens 21st May | Closes 17th June | Shortlist 2nd July | Results on Photocrowd 29th July
6. Close-ups
Opens 18th June | Closes 15th July | Shortlist 30th July | Results on Photocrowd 26th August
7. People
Opens 16th July | Closes 12th August | Shortlist 27th August | Results on Photocrowd 23rd September
8. Wildlife
Opens 13th August | Closes 9th September | Shortlist 24th September | Results on Photocrowd 21st October
9. Street
Opens 10th September | Closes 7th October | Shortlist 22nd October | Results on Photocrowd 18th November
10. Action
Opens 8th October | Closes 4th November | Shortlist 19th November | Results on Photocrowd 16th December
Prizes:
- The winner of each round of APOY 2022 receives a £500 voucher to spend on anything at MPB. From top-of-the-range digital medium-format camera bodies, to entry-level DSLRs, as well as the longest telephoto zooms and widest lenses, and useful accessories, MPB is a one-stop shop for used kit.
- There are great second-placed and third-placed prizes, too, which are £100 and £50 respectively, while the winner of the Young APOY category will win a voucher for £250.
- The overall APOY winner will receive a voucher for £1,000.
- The overall Young APOY winner will be awarded a £500 voucher.
you can enter up to 5 images in each of the 10 rounds. 1 free entry per round can be obtained via a unique code published in Amateur Photographer magazine during the period in which that round is open. Without the code, you’ll be able to enter a maximum of 4 images per round.
For the Young APOY 2022 award, eligible photographers can enter up to 4 free images per round.
Image requirements: at least 2,700 (3,000 maximum) pixels along its longest dimension; JPEG format, preferably sRGB.
Frequently asked questions — Amateur photography contests
Who can enter amateur photography contests?
Most amateur contests welcome non-professional photographers worldwide—hobbyists, students, and emerging creators. Many explicitly exclude those who earn primary income from photography to ensure a level playing field. Always verify age requirements and amateur-status definitions on the official contest page.
Are amateur photography contests free to enter?
Many are free or low-cost: entry fees typically range from $0–$25 per submission, with student discounts or early-bird rates often available. Fee status and discount tiers are confirmed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do amateur photography contests offer?
Prizes emphasize growth and exposure: cash awards range $100–$2,500, while non-monetary rewards include mentorship feedback, online feature spots, workshop scholarships, or entry credits to advanced contests. Even without large cash prizes, these contests offer valuable confidence-building opportunities.
How do I choose which amateur contest to enter?
Prioritize contests that match your current skill level and genre interests. Look for opportunities offering constructive feedback or educational components, confirm that professional photographers are excluded (if that matters to you), and review rights clauses—even amateur contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
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 — Photography exhibition contests
Who can enter photography exhibition contests?
Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.
Are exhibition contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do exhibition contests offer?
Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.
How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?
Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.
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.