Author: Ian Whiting
There are a number of non-BCC photographic competitions and exhibitions that photographers can enter. They offer another interesting outlet for your favourite shots as well as inspiration/motivation for taking some different images. Check out a competition, note the closing date and theme, plan and make some images to meet the requirements.
Most only need you to upload one or more digital images, usually on a selected theme, by a certain date. Some may require prints. Many of these are free to enter. Some offer prizes and the others give you satisfaction, bragging rights and/or an award, certificate or medal.
Competitions…
The list below is competitions that usually have at least one per year, sometimes more frequently. Always check their website as conditions may differ. Alphabetic order.
(More to come)
Competition | Notes |
British Photographic Exhibitions | Multiple photographic exhibitions for prints and digital. CHARGED, Medals won. Also see “salons” below |
Historic Houses | Theme an image from a HHA property, FREE, annual competition, prize. |
IGPOTY | International Garden Photographer of the Year, world wide, CHARGED, prizes, multiple themes |
National Trust | Open to NT and non-NT members, FREE, prizes, read the rules and the image guidance notes |
PAGB | Several inter-club competitions. But Masters of Print is entered individually from any member of an affiliated club. CHARGED, medals |
Photo Crowd | Multiple competitions, themed, FREE for 1 entry CHARGED for two or more entries / competition |
The Photographer Academy | Monthly Critique, open to all, FREE. Live, online image critiques. The top 5 or 10 get into their monthly/annual e-book |
The Photographic Angle | Themed, UK based, FREE, holds regular print exhibitions (they print the winners free of charge)and regular competitions with small prizes. |
RPS | The Royal Photographic Society run regular FREE digital and print competitions for their members, including the monthly 365 |
Salons | Photographic salon exhibitions for prints and digital. CHARGED, Medals won, examples: Bristol, London |
View Bug | Multiple, regular contests. Themed, FREE & CHARGED. Prizes |
Wildlife Photographer of the Year | Annual, run by the NH Museum, London, Prestigious. Categories and themes. Prizes. CHARGED. Important, read the rules and the FAQ |
World Photography Organisation | Categories, FREE, currently sponsored by Sony, prestigious, prizes |
Zeiss Photography Award | Prestigious, FREE, 5 to 10 image series, themed, associated with the World Photography Organisation, prizes |
Other Lists
If you know of any other regular photographic competitions suitable for UK based, BCC members to enter please email the web page link and brief details. Thanks, Ian