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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Open Call Direct – Formerly PhotoContests.Co FAQ! Here you’ll find answers to common questions about photo contest rights, judging, usage terms, and how to use our site effectively. Whether you’re new to photography competitions or a seasoned entrant, this guide is here to help you make informed decisions and get the most from each opportunity.

Q. How can I filter contests by type, theme, or entry fee?

A. On Open Call Direct, you can use the filters at the top of the listings page on the left to narrow down contests by:

  • Age Requirements

  • Experience Requirements

  • Theme (e.g., nature, portrait, street, documentary)

  • Entry fee (free or paid)

  • Winner Selection Type (Judged or Voted)

  • Country/Region

  • Contest type (e.g., open call, competition, grant)

This makes it easy to find contests that fit your style, goals, or budget.

How to filter photo competitions

A: Yes! You can sort contests using the sort dropdown menu at the top right hand side of the contest listings. Options typically include:

  • Deadline

  • Featured

  • Newest

  • Randon

  • Editors Choice

  • Premier
  • Prestigious
  • Reviewed
  • Oldest Listed

Sorting helps you prioritize which contests to enter based on your timing and preferences.

Sort Photo Competitions

A. Yes. All contests featured on Open Call Direct ensure that photographers retain full copyright. In some cases, the retention of moral rights is explicitly stated; in others, it may not be mentioned. Some contests specify attribution as part of moral rights but do not address integrity—meaning you may be credited but not necessarily protected against misuse or alteration of your work. We publish this information clearly on each contest listing so you can make informed decisions before entering. This means you continue to own your photo and, in most cases, will be credited when it’s used—helping you maintain control over how your work is attributed and presented. You can learn more about moral rights and best practices at PhotoCompetitionStandards.org

A. Most contests request a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use submitted images—whether winning, shortlisted, or not—for promotional purposes such as online galleries, social media, printed publications, or exhibitions. While this is generally reasonable, some contests ask for a perpetual license, meaning the usage rights have no defined end date. This usually does not include commercial resale, sublicensing, or transferring ownership, but the lack of a time limit can be a concern for some photographers. At Open Call Direct, we publish this information clearly so you can decide whether the terms are fair and align with your expectations. Always check each contest’s terms to confirm. You can learn more about fair contest practices and image usage rights at PhotoCompetitionStandards.org.

Blind judging means your identity is hidden from the judging panel. Judges only see your work—not your name, background, or location. This promotes fairness and ensures selections are made based purely on image quality, originality, and relevance to the theme.

A. Every competition is different, and judging criteria can vary depending on the organizer and theme. If this information is available, you’ll find it listed under the “Prize” tab within the competition details on Open Call Direct.

Common judging criteria include:

  • Creativity and originality

  • Technical quality (focus, exposure, composition)

  • Relevance to the contest theme

  • Emotional or narrative impact

Some contests also provide category-specific scoring rubrics or are judged by expert panels consisting of professional photographers, curators, or industry leaders. Where possible, we publish this information so you can better understand how your work will be evaluated.

Themed contests have a specific topic or concept (e.g., “Nature”, “Portraits”, “Minimalism”) that submissions must align with.

Open contests accept images on any subject, offering more creative freedom but often drawing a broader and more competitive pool.

They can be—if the contest is reputable, offers meaningful prizes, expert judging, and fair rights terms. Be cautious of contests with high fees, vague judging criteria, or excessive rights grabs. Always weigh the entry cost against potential exposure, credibility, and benefit.

A. Trustworthy contests tend to share key details that help photographers make informed decisions. At Open Call Direct, we highlight these contests details for you:

  • Usage rights and copyright policies
  • Accessible terms and conditions
  • Judging processes (e.g. blind judging or named jurors)
  • Reasonable entry fees relative to the prizes or exposure offered
  • A proven track record — such as how long the contest has been running
  • Recognition in respected photography communities or media

Not every contest will tick every box, but when this information is available, we make sure it’s clearly published on the contest details page so you can judge whether it’s a good fit for your goals.

Yes—unless a contest specifically requires unpublished or exclusive work. Always check the rules, but in most cases, you can submit the same photo to several contests, especially if you retain full copyright.

Many contests accept smartphone images, and some even offer mobile-only categories. Basic editing (exposure, contrast, cropping) is typically allowed unless specified otherwise. Always check technical and editing rules for each contest.

A. It’s important to review the fine print before entering any contest. According to PhotoCompetitionStandards.org, some red flags to watch for include:

Overly broad or perpetual image usage rights — especially those without limits on duration or scope

Requests to waive moral rights — such as the right to be credited or to object to alterations

Unclear judging processes or vague prize descriptions — which make it difficult to understand how winners are selected or what you’re competing for

If something feels off, it probably is. At Open Call Direct, we reference PCS standards and publish the details whenever this information is available. You can explore the full list of recommended best practices at PhotoCompetitionStandards.org.

There’s much more to photo contests than just taking home a prize. Many photographers find real, long-term value in participating regularly. Here’s why:

  • Sharpen your skills through themed challenges
    Contest themes often push you to step outside your comfort zone, experiment with new styles or techniques, and approach familiar subjects in more creative ways.

  • Gain exposure through shortlists, features, and public galleries
    Even if you don’t win, being shortlisted or featured can bring visibility to your work. Many contests showcase finalists in online galleries, social media posts, or printed exhibitions—opening doors to new audiences and professional opportunities.

  • Get feedback or insight from professional judging panels
    Some contests offer judge commentary or critiques, giving you a rare glimpse into how professionals interpret your work. Even without direct feedback, seeing which images win or place highly can help you better understand what makes an image stand out.

  • Build confidence and consistency through regular submissions
    Entering regularly helps you develop the discipline of editing, selecting, and presenting your best work. Over time, it can also boost your confidence and help you track your growth as a photographer.

  • Stay motivated and engaged in your creative practice
    Deadlines and structured challenges give you something to work toward, especially during creative slumps. Many photographers use contests as a way to stay inspired and focused on their craft.

  • Network and connect with the photography community
    Participating in contests can lead to connections with other photographers, judges, curators, or organizations—especially in contests that host exhibitions or publish annual books or zines.

Many photographers adopt a “submit and move on” mindset—focusing more on the creative process, learning, and exposure than on the outcome. Over time, that consistency often pays off in both recognition and artistic growth.

It depends. Community-voted contests can provide exposure but often favor entrants with large followings rather than technical skill. Expert-judged contests are generally better for recognition based on photographic merit.

  • Submission requirements can vary from one contest to another, but here are some common elements that are often requested:

    • High-resolution image files — typically in JPEG, PNG, or TIFF format, as specified

    • Clear filenames — using a format like Title_Name_Category.jpg to help organizers identify your work

    • Captions or artist statements — sometimes required to give context or explain your creative intent

    • Preserved EXIF data — especially if technical details (like camera settings) are relevant to the judging process

    Always check the contest’s specific submission guidelines carefully. At Open Call Direct, we publish this information in the contest listing whenever it’s available, so you don’t have to go digging through each competition’s website to find it.

Still have a question? Contact us here — we’re happy to help.
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NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!

PHOTO CONTESTS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX

Unsubscribe Anytime!

One email a week, tops. Join our community!