8 2012 Photography Contests for Pro Photography Dreamers

Last updated on February 7th, 2013 at 05:33 pm

Photo Credit: Dietmar Temps via Compfight

It’s almost half way through the 2012 year (already!) and are any of you pro photography dreamers entering photo contests out there?

Photography contests are a great way to gain more exposure for your photography and possibly win a little cash while you are at it.

One great way to move your pro photography dream along is to have your photographs judged and exposed to a wider audience.  If by chance you win, awards give your photography a professional association that you are more than just a weekend photography warrior.

Here Are 8 2012 Photography Contests –

1. The Center for Fine Art Photography

ENTRIES DUE: June 20, 2012
PARTICIPANTS: The exhibition is open to all photographers world wide, both amateur and professional. The Center invites photographers working in all mediums, styles and schools of thought to participate in its exhibitions.
AWARDS: With selection for this exhibition, featured artist’s work will be seen by an international audience of collectors, curators, art consultants and other advocates of fine art photography. Each participant will be included in the Center’s Main Gallery exhibition, Online Gallery exhibition, and Print Catalog. Select artists will also be included in an exhibition at RayKo Gallery in early 2013 and the Denver International Airport exhibition In the Fall of 2012. Ms. Jastrab and Ms. Glasgow will be available during the reception weekend for complimentary portfolio reviews for exhibiting artists. 2 Juror’s Selections: $425 each. Director’s Selection: $250. 2 liveBooks Website Awards: Valued at $399 from liveBooks.com. 1 Blurb Book Award: Valued at $250 from blurb.com. Honorable Mention Awards: 2 year membership and a three image submission to a call for entry at the Center. All exhibitors are included in the Center’s online gallery. [Click here for contest details…]

2. The Open

ENTRIES DUE: Now through Sept. 2012
PARTICIPANTS: Open to anyone. The Open is a worldwide search for the greatest photographers of our generation. It features both online and live events and delivers one of the largest prize purses in the photo industry: $50,000US. It is an exposure powerhouse that connects photographers with a global audience.
AWARDS: Solo: 25,000  Live: 25,000 [Click here for contest details…]

3. Arles Photography Open

ENTRIES DUE: May 10, 2012
PARTICIPANTS: All photographers. Arles Photography Open Salon at Galerie Huit http://www.photographyopensalon.com is an International Photography Open Call designed to showcase cutting-edge contemporary and emerging photography from around the world, promote new work by talented artists enabling them to exhibit and give them exposure during and alongside the renowned international photography festival Les Rencontres d’Arles in 2012, as well as in South-East Asia in 2013.
AWARDS: Awards will be granted in recognition of the photographer’s contribution to the art of photography in the areas of creativity, conceptual strength and technical skill.  [Click here for contest details...]

4.  The Shutterbug Photography Award

ENTRIES DUE: July 30, 2012
PARTICIPANTS: Photographers who are considered non—professional by the standards of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers. i.e. Photographers who make less than $20,000 per annum from photography. This includes International Entrants.
AWARDS: Wide variety of awards. [Click here for contest details…]

Photo Credit: Andy Leddy via Compfight

5. Adore Noir Magazine Portfolio Contest

ENTRIES DUE: June 15, 2012
PARTICIPANTS: The contest is open to anyone, any age, anywhere working with black and white photographs.
AWARDS: One of six photographers featured in the October 2012 issue of Adore Noir magazine.  [Click here for contest details...]

6. Foto8 Summershow 2012

ENTRIES DUE: May 14, 2012
PARTICIPANTS: Any photographers with recent work, of any subject, style or genre, which engages or challenges the viewer, either to convey stories, raise questions or provoke feeling.
AWARDS: The successful images hang floor to ceiling in Foto8 Gallery for a six-week period over the summer, giving you, the audience, the opportunity to pick your personal favourite, which in turn may stand a chance of winning the coveted People’s Choice award — and some professional photographic kit. [Click here for contest details…]

7.  Chasing the Light – National Parks: Capturing Our National Treasures

ENTRIES DUE: MAY 14, 2012
PARTICIPANTS: Any photographer with fresh, creative images from National Parks, National Monuments and National Historic Sites in all seasons.
AWARDS: The top five photographers will have their winning image prominently displayed on a email targeted to over 1,200 professional Photo Editors and Art Directors who are constantly looking for fresh and creative new imagery. These five photos will also be the FEATURED IMAGES on The Chasing Light Juried Photography website for the duration of the current contest. Jurors will award a First Place, Second Place, Third Place and two Honorable Mentions. [Click here for contest details…]

8. Wanderlust: Travels Near and Far

ENTRIES DUE: May 17, 2012
PARTICIPANTS: So wherever you are in the world, Wanderlust wants to see what you see on your travels. Spectacular or mundane. A grand mountain vista or the line-up at the airport check-in. From desert sands to ocean shores, the alps to antartica, a greyhound bus or a truck stop diner. TRAINS PLANES BOATS OR BUSES, show Wanderlust the people and places of YOUR expanded bubble. A simple premise, open to physical or metaphysical interpretation (some trips are all the head!), this month 1650 feeds your wanderlust as wWanderlust search for photos of travel, near and far! Open to submissions worldwide.
AWARDS: Selected photographs will be included in the WANDERLUST: TRAVELS NEAR & FAR Photography exhibition and available for sale through 1650 Gallery and 1650gallery.com. [Click here for contest details…]

Photo Credit: Alex via Compfight

Have you ever entered a photogrpahy contest in support of your dream to be a professional photographer?

If not, why?

Rem