Perhaps you didn't know, but I am a big fan of contests from Creative Resource Collective. I believe many are familiar with at least one of their contests - reFocus Awards, which, in fact, is not one but three contests throughout the year. I really like these contests not only because I often become a winner in the Aerial category but more because of how Creative Resource Collective sees the essence of a photo contest and how they treat participants at all stages of its conduct. Many of their features are unique and can only be found with them. Among such features, I would name:
1. Bundle upload purchases - there is not only a "upload early, pay less" system, but also the option to buy upload bundles with even greater discounts and an annual validity period.
2. Cashback - 5% of each photo submission goes to your personal account, funds from which you can later spend on subsequent photo submissions.
3. Nominee Award - very important, especially for beginners, to feel that your work has been appreciated by the judges, even if it did not win a prize. Nominee is, so to say, a preliminary award, and future contest winners will be selected from these nominees. But for many beginners who won't take winning places, this award will be a good incentive for further development.
4. People's Vote's Award - a unique feature that I have not encountered in any other photo contest. At a certain stage (after announcing the Nominee), any website visitor has the opportunity to vote daily for their favorite photos. The photo with the most votes over a specified period receives a separate award.
5. Winner's Badges - the ability to download your award in different designs (from colored to semi-transparent) so that the badge does not blend with the photo. Additionally, you can download the photo immediately with the award without resorting to third-party editors.
6. Press Release - for all winners above Honorable Mention, a press release is generated and available for download and publication on social networks.
By the way, starting this year, Creative Resource Collective has added two more contest families - 1839 Awards and One Exposure Awards, each with three contests - providing even more opportunities to enjoy participation.