| Copyright | Entrants retain full ownership and copyrights to their Submission. ach winner grants to the Sponsor and Prize Sponsors and their designees an irrevocable, royalty-free, nonexclusive, worldwide perpetual license to use and distribute the entry (as submitted, or as cropped by the Sponsor or Prize Sponsors), and his/her name, city and state of residence for credit purposes, in any and all media now or hereafter known, including without limitation on Sponsor and Prize Sponsors’ websites, newsletters and social media for purposes of promotion of this Contest except as otherwise stated herein, without further compensation, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, 18+ |
| Finish | 14 October 2022 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedPetaPixel is partnering with Lindblad Expeditions and OM SYSTEM to showcase your best wildlife photos in the Wild Personalities Photo Contest.
Prizes:
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive:
Lindblad Expeditions voyage to Galapagos (Wild Galapagos Escape) for two in a Category SU suite aboard the National Geographic Islander II ($19,580 value) for departure by December 31, 2023
AND
Camera Kit including OM SYSTEM OM-1 & M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II Lens & M.Zuiko 40-150mm F4.0 PRO Lens ($4,099.97 value).
FOUR RUNNER-UPS
Four (4) Runner-ups will receive:
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III & M.Zuiko 12-45mm F4.0 PRO Kit ($1,849.99 value) and Lindblad Expeditions Maritime Jacket ($250 value).
WINNER ANNOUNCED – November 1, 2022
Online submission of digital images via the website. Entrants may only make one (1) Submission.
Frequently asked questions — Animal photography contests
Who can enter animal photography contests?
Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.
Are animal photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles 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 animal photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.
How do I choose which animal contest to enter?
Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.
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.