| Copyright | The photographer grants World Press Photo permission to use prize-winning material in all media, including online, in relation to the contest, the exhibition, the yearbook, and all promotional activities for World Press Photo, without any remuneration being due. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to professional photographers and photojournalists. |
| Finish | 11 January 2024 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Award:
- Every regional winner of the contest receives:
- A monetary prize of €1,000
- Global winnersA global jury selects the four global winners: the World Press Photo of the Year, the World Press Photo Story of the Year, the World Press Photo Long-Term Project Award, and the World Press Photo Open Format Award. The global winners will be chosen from the regional winners in their respective categories.In addition to their regional prizes, global winners will also receive an additional monetary prize of €5,000
Categories:
- Singles
- Stories
- Long-Term Projects
- Open Format
Image requirements: jpg format with high quality; An embedded ICC profile is required. Adobe RGB or sRGB is recommended for color images, Gamma 2.2 for black and white. No CMYK.
Judging criteria:
- Visual quality: this can include creativity, technical skill and visual style, and the edit of the story (where relevant)
- Story: this refers to the story and/or issues covered in the photographs, its relevance or significance, and the way in which the photographer has chosen to approach the story
- Representation: this refers to the importance of awarding a diverse range of stories and photographers
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
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.