| Copyright | By participating in this contest, participants agree that the secretariat of the Minamata Convention will keep digital copies of their photos. By entering this contest, participants acknowledge that they are aware that their photos will also be used for outreach activities at the discretion of the secretariat of the Minamata Convention, and agree to it. If the artwork features the face of a real person, the author must provide a signed document proving that the portrayed person has authorized the use of his or her image for non-commercial purposes. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide? 18+ |
| Finish | 31 December 2022 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedCategories:
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. Mercury contamination – show the world that it is a critical problem that knows no borders and affects us all
2. The people working to phase out mercury – from policymakers to academia and through working on the ground (workers, inspectors, etc.)
3. The environment – show us what we are fighting for how the world looks like without mercury pollution
There will be one winner for each of the three categories listed above and nine finalists. Exciting awards and visibility will be offered for each winner.
• Winners will receive a framed printed copy of their photo and an official certificate from the secretariat of the Minamata Convention.
• Winners will be invited to be part of a special event on photography and mercury in the context of the public awareness campaign for the Convention’s 6th anniversary in 2023.
• Winner and finalist photos in each category will be part of a virtual exhibition on the Minamata Convention website to be launched for the World Environment Day – 5 June 2023 and promoted through social media challenges giving credit to the authors.
• Winner and finalist photos will be part of a physical photo exhibition at the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5) to be held in October/November 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Winner and finalists’ photos will be part of a 2024 Minamata Convention calendar to be gifted to COP-5 participants in November 2023, and downloadable from the Convention’s website.
• Winner and finalists will receive a printed copy of the 2024 calendar
You are encouraged to send one picture per category and help open the eyes of a broad public that may have not yet realized the magnitude of the problem, showing that everybody can contribute to the reduction of mercury pollution.
The results will be announced on 22 April (Earth Day) 2023.
Online submission of digital images via the website.
Image requirements: JPEG, PNG or TIFF format. Minimum size: 1.5 MB (within 2048 x 1536 pixels or 1536 x 2048 pixels). Winners may later be requested to submit JPEG images with higher resolution. The picture must not contain logos, commercial references or people’s names. It shall not include any watermark, the author’s signature or the title of the artwork.
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.