Whether you are a professional photographer or doing it out of passion, a little encouragement and recognition won’t hurt. Besides, photography competitions offer both. They provide you with a platform to showcase your talent and also hard work. Even if you fail to bag an award, you get to know where you stand. It also allows you to understand your strength and weaknesses. 

Prestigious Photography Competitions

So, here we handpicked the 3 best photography competitions you should consider participating in in 2022. Know about the eligibility criteria, deadlines, entry fees, awards, and more. 

ND Awards

Deadlines– April 24, 2022 (early deadline) and September 18, 2022 (final deadline)

Who can participate?

Different categories for professional and non-professional photographers

Entry fee for non-professionals-

$15 for a single image and $20 for series entry up to 5 images (early deadline)

$20 for a single image and $25 for series entry up to 5 images (final deadline)

Entry fee for professionals-

$20 for a single image and $25 for series entry up to 5 images (early deadline)

$25 for a single image and $30 for series entry up to 5 images (early deadline)

Additional $10 to be paid per category for multiple category entries

Basically, the Natural Density Photography Award is one of the most prestigious competitions with international recognition. ND magazine was first published in 2008 to promote photography and also to create a platform for sharing knowledge and creativity. In addition, the first edition of the ND award was organized in 2014. The jury committee also includes the gallery owners, editor, acclaimed photographers, and other experts in the field. There are five categories for amateur photographers-

  • Fine Art
  • Nature
  • Architecture
  • People
  • Special.

In addition, professional photographers can participate in one additional category named Editorial.  

International Photography Awards

Deadline- May 31, 2022

Who can participate? 

Professional, amateur, and also student photographers.

Entry fee for students-

$15 for a single image and $30 for series entry up to 9 images 

Entry fee for non-professionals-

$25 for a single image and $50 for series entry up to 9 images 

Entry fee for professionals-

$35 for a single image and $60 for series entry up to 9 images 

A 20% discount is applied to each additional category for multiple category entries. However, participants from a few countries can have a 30% discount on the entry fee.

IPA is one of the most ambitious and highest-paying photography contests in the world. The International Photography Award is awarded by Lucie Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation. 

Basically, the main award for the professionals is named International Photographer of the Year. In addition, the cash prize for this category is $10,000. Also, the highest prize for the non-professional and student category is titled Discovery of the year and the cash prize is $5,000. The winners also receive a travel allowance for attending the prestigious award ceremony organized in New York.

Both professionals and amateurs can participate in 13 categories including:

  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Food
  • Music
  • Product
  • Fine Art
  • Portrait
  • Landscape
  • Others.  

Monochrome Photography Award

Deadlines– July 3, 2022 (early deadline) and November 13, 2022 (final deadline)

Who can participate?

Professional as well as non-professional photographers

Entry fee for non-professionals-

$15 for the early deadline and $20 for the final deadline (single entry)

Entry fee for professionals-

$20 for the early deadline and $25 for the final deadline (single entry)

Basically, this is a specialized photography competition that celebrates the fascinating art form of Black and White photography. They also accept tones like sepia of selenium. As a result, the contest aims to collectively share knowledge and nurture the best artists. Above all, the winner of the professional section receives a $2,000 cash prize and the title of Monochrome Photographer of the year. Whereas, the non-professional section’s winner receives a $1,000 cash prize and the title of Monochrome Discovery of the Year. Participants can also submit their entries in 13 categories including:

  • Architecture
  • Fashion
  • Fine Art
  • Landscape
  • Nature
  • Wildlife
  • Street
  • Portrait
  • Conceptual
  • Abstract
  • Nude
  • Photojournalism
  • Photo manipulation

So, send your work to any or all these competitions and get the recognition you deserve.
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