Start with a goal and a theme
Before you choose software or prizes, decide why you are running the contest. Common goals include building an email list or social following, raising money for a cause, gathering images for a calendar or campaign, or simply celebrating a community. Your goal affects almost every other choice, from entry fee to voting style.
Then pick a theme that is clear enough to be easy to enter but open enough for variety. “My pet” or “Our town in autumn” works better than something so broad that entries are impossible to compare. Decide whether you want one category or several, such as age groups or photo styles.
Write clear rules and entry terms
Written rules protect you and keep things fair. Typical points to cover:
- who may enter, and any age or location limits,
- how many photos each person may submit,
- file requirements such as format and size,
- whether editing is allowed and how heavily (see is photo manipulation ethical for where contests often draw the line),
- entry deadline and how winners are chosen,
- prizes and how they are delivered,
- whether entry is free or has a fee, and
- what rights you receive in submitted images.
That last point is important. Entrants should keep ownership of their photos unless you explicitly say otherwise, and you should state clearly how you may display or share them. Contests and promotions are regulated in some places, particularly when there are prizes or entry fees, so check local rules and consider legal advice before launching.
Judges, public voting, or both
There are two main ways to choose winners:
- Judges: a small panel scores entries against stated criteria, such as originality, technical quality, composition and fit with the theme. This tends to reward quality and is less open to gaming.
- Public voting: entrants and their friends vote. It can dramatically increase reach and engagement, but results favour people with large networks, and fraud is a risk.
Many organisers combine the two, for example a judges’ pick plus a people’s choice award. A “judge’s choice” prize also gives entrants who lack a big network a fair chance. If you use public voting, choose a platform with some form of vote-fraud protection and set clear rules about how voting works.
Choose prizes people want
Prizes do not need to be expensive, but they should feel worthwhile for your audience. Ideas include a portrait session donated by a local photographer, gifts or vouchers from local businesses, printing or framing, publication in a calendar or exhibition, or feature spots on your website and social channels. Offering prizes for the top few places, not just first, tends to keep people engaged. Smaller recurring awards, such as a weekly most-new-votes prize, can maintain momentum.
Decide on entry fees
Free entry usually draws more people, which helps if your aim is reach or collecting contacts. A small entry fee tends to attract more committed entrants and can help raise funds. Whatever you choose, be transparent about what the money covers, and check local rules about charging for contests.
Set the timeline
Contest length depends on your promotion plans. Short contests can work well when you can promote hard and keep energy high, while longer ones give time for word to spread. Some organisers settle on a few weeks. Plan separate phases: submission period, moderation and judging, voting if used, and winner announcement. Share dates early and stick to them.
Pick software or a platform
You can run a small contest with an email address and a shared folder, but dedicated tools usually make things easier. Look for features such as:
- an online submission form with file checks,
- a public gallery,
- moderation before entries go live,
- judge scoring,
- voting with fraud controls,
- social media or hashtag integration, and
- export of entries and contact details.
Several contest and giveaway platforms offer these features, with different pricing and terms, so compare current options and read their privacy and data policies. Some organisers also use Instagram hashtags or Facebook posts for casual contests, though platform rules on promotions can change, so check them first.
Promote the contest
Announce it where your audience already is. Useful channels include your website and newsletter, social media, local community groups, photography clubs and schools, and partner businesses. Ask prize donors and judges to share it, and post regular reminders with featured entries. A clear landing page with the theme, rules, deadline and prizes is worth the effort.
If you are a working photographer using a contest to attract clients, tie it into your business goals and see how to get a photography business started for related marketing ideas.
Moderate entries and pick winners
Review entries before they appear publicly to remove those that break the rules, such as copyrighted material, inappropriate content or images that do not meet size requirements (our guide to best DPI for website images explains pixel dimensions and file size). Keep a record of how scores or votes were counted. Notify winners privately first, confirm they are eligible, and then announce them publicly. Thank everyone who entered and, if appropriate, share the shortlisted entries.
After the contest
Follow up while interest is high. Share winning images with credit, deliver prizes promptly, and invite entrants to join your mailing list or next event. Review what worked, including numbers of entries, traffic and feedback, and use it to plan the next one. If you plan to use entries commercially, make sure you have the permissions you need in writing.
FAQ
What software can I use to run photography competitions?
Options include dedicated photo contest platforms, general giveaway and form tools, and photography club systems. Choose one that supports submissions, moderation, judging or voting and data export.
How do I submit my photos to a photo competition?
Read the rules carefully, choose images that fit the theme, check file requirements, edit within the rules, and submit before the deadline through the organiser’s form or platform. Keep a copy of what you submitted and note the usage terms. For advice on picking strong images, see how to become a professional photographer.
Are photo contests worth it?
It depends on the contest. Well-run contests can give exposure, feedback and fun. Be cautious about those that ask for broad rights over your images, charge high fees with little return, or lack clear judging. Read the terms before entering.