| Copyright | By submitting an Entry, You agree to make your Entry available to the public under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. You shall retain all rights to the original Entry. The full text of the CC BY 4.0 License can be found here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. The photo credit shall appear as follows: Photo by [NAME] is licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license. Additionally, Jeremy D. W. Clifton, PhD will be granted a perpetual, royalty-free license for the winning image of the contest. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Anyone over the age of 13 with access to a camera (cell phone or DLSR) regardless of whether they are attending the Congress or are members of IPPA. |
| Finish | 17 October 2025 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Capture a moment in Toronto that radiates belonging, beauty, and hope. Look for everyday scenes, whether large or small, that spark joy, connection, or pride in our city. Let your photo tell a story of kindness, resilience, and unity, perhaps a neighbor lending a hand, a splash of color in an unexpected place, or a gathering that bridges cultures. Frame it so that viewers see Toronto as connected, compassionate, and alive with possibility.
Prizes:
- 1st Place: $200 Amazon Gift Card + feature in CPPA and SeeingHappy newsletters, social media, and PR campaigns. Winners may also receive a free membership to CPPA.
- 2nd Place (two winners): $100 Amazon Gift Card each + feature in CPPA and SeeingHappy newsletters.
Online submission of digital images 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 — 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.