| Copyright | All entrants grant an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide non-exclusive license to Authorized Parties to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the entries (along with a name credit) in connection with the Contest and promotion of the Contest |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open only to US residents who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at time of entry, and who do NOT reside in Arizona, New Jersey, or Vermont. |
| Finish | 7 September 2022 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedFirst place wins a $500 gift card and the opportunity to feature their photography work on americanroadmagazine.com (subject to guidelines and editorial approval). Finalists who are attending school may be offered an opportunity to serve as junior photographer (internship) for American Road for up to one year. All finalists will receive a subscription to AMERICAN ROAD.
Image requirements: JPG format; at least 2550 pixels x 3319 pixels; up to 10 Mb in file size. Minor post processing is allowed; no HDR, no panoramas.
Online submission of digital images via the website.
Judging criteria: Creativity (50%) and photographic quality (50%)—in accordance with the contest theme
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.