May Photo Contests

At the beginning of each month Bird In Flight updates you on photo contests for both professional photographers and photography lovers.

Deadline: May 16, 2017.
Entry fee: $20 for one image, $50 for five images and $60 for the photo series.
Award: $1,500 – $3,000 prizes for 11 winners.

A photography contest organized by one of the most influential photo agencies in the world. Entries are accepted in six categories: “Documentary”, “Portrait”, “Street”, “Fine Art”, “Photojournalism”, and “Open.” Among the jury members: photographer Alec Soth, Aperture Foundation’s Creative Director Lesley Martin, and Director of Photography at National Geographic Sarah Leen.

Deadline: May 16, 2017.
No entry fee.
Award: publication in Getty Images Reportage, a year-long mentorship program with the Reportage section editors.

A contest for upcoming young photographers (under 30) by Getty Images. To participate one has to send a CV and a link to a portfolio or a website to emergingtalent@gettyimages.com. Students studying photography can participate regardless of their age.

Deadline: May 17, 2017.
No entry fee.
Award: €8,000 to finish the project, a presentation at the Perpignan Festival 2017.

A contest for professional female documentary photographers, organized by Canon and Elle magazine. To participate one has to upload on server the following documents: signed application form, passport or ID scan, letter of motivation with the description of the project, budget and 20-30 photos from the project that is to be continued.

Deadline: May 21, 2017.
Entry fee: €10.
Award: €4,000.

This year’s contest topic is Happiness. Each participant can submit up to three photo projects of 8-15 images each. Works are to be evaluated by ten judges, among whom are Alice Gabriner of Time Magazine and National Geographic’s Sarah Leen.

Deadline: May 31, 2017.
No entry fee.
Award: €10,000 for the grand prize winner, €2,000 for each of the eight category winners.

An open photography contest accepts submissions in eight categories, including “Architecture” and “Documentary Photography”.

Deadline: May 31, 2017.
Entry fee: $50.
Award: $35,000 for the winner and $5,000 for a photographer selected by the jury.

A grant program in honor of American photo essayist William Eugene Smith was established in 1978, right after his death. Working in New York, he became well-known for his documentary photography for Newsweek, coverage of WWII for Life and Ziff-Davis Publishing and photographs produced while being a member of Magnum Photo. Eugene Smith Grant is considered as one of the most prestigious awards for photographers. To participate one needs to send a bio note and CV (up to two pages), a project description, and up to 40 photographs of previous works.

Deadline: June 4, 2017.
No entry fee.
Award: €10,000.

A photography contest dedicated to the memory of Austrian journalist and pacifist Alfred Fried. Authors whose works are dedicated to the idea of a peaceful future are encouraged to participate. Photographers aged 14-18 will be evaluated in a separate category and the winner will get a prize of €1,000.

Deadline: June 10, 2017.
No entry fee.
Award: Hasselblad photography equipment, participation in exhibitions, photo book.

A contest for professional photographers organized by Hasselblad. Photographers who have been professionally active at least for the last three years and use film, digital, or drone cameras are eligible for participation. Works are being accepted in 11 categories, one of which is designed for photographers under 21.