Dow’s Black & White Photography Competition
2 January 2027 53 days left
Free
open worldwide to individuals aged 18 years or older at the time
of entry.
Entrants retain full copyright and ownership of their
submitted photographs at all times. By entering, the entrant grants Symington Family Estates a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, display, adapt, and distribute the submitted images across any channel (including web, social media, print publications, exhibition displays, trade marketing, and promotional product packaging) specifically associated with Dow's Port or the competition.
Symington Family Estates will credit the photographer whenever reasonable and practical alongside references to the competition.
Capture a Black & White moment related to our theme of “Generations” and win a once in a lifetime photography experience in the Douro Valley
Prizes
- 1st Place: A once in a lifetime trip to both Quinta do Bomfim in theDouro Valley and our locations in Vila Nova de Gaia, accessing our private grounds and viewpoints to capture both the stunning Douro landscape and the unique bustle of the Port scene in the city. Prize includes a bottle of Dow’s 1985 Vintage Port.
- 2nd Place: A bottle of Dow’s 1994 Vintage Port and a copy of ‘100 Leica Stories’.
- 3rd Place: A bottle of Dow’s 2003 Vintage Port and a copy of ‘100 Leica Stories’.
Submissions will be judged on visual aesthetics, technical composition, artistic originality, and interpretation of the theme.
Up to three entries per person, submitted one by one.
Files accepted: .jpg up to 20mb. All entries must be suitable for large-format gallery exhibition printing and high-grade book publication. Images must be submitted in maximum-quality JPEG format with a minimum resolution of 4,000 pixels on the longest edge (at 300 DPI). Entrants must retain the original uncompressed file and RAW file (where applicable), which will be required for shortlist verification and physical print production. Heavy digital post-processing, composite manipulation (adding, moving, or removing image elements), artificial texture overlays, digital painting, aggressive HDR/halo artifacts, or excessive filtering that distorts the natural reality of the original scene is strictly prohibited.
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.
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.
