Whether you are a seasoned photographer, a newbie simply getting began or just somebody who loves capturing stunning moments, submitting your work to images competitions is likely one of the greatest methods to achieve publicity and recognition.
Entering competitions is not nearly profitable – although prizes and publicity are nice bonuses! It’s additionally an opportunity to dive into your archives, rediscover your greatest pictures and refine your private type. Even for those who do not make the shortlist, the expertise itself is rewarding and may push your images to the following degree.
In reality, many photographers say competitions have been the stepping stone that helped them construct a reputation, develop their viewers or land their first massive characteristic. And with so many open calls throughout all genres – from astrophotography and macro, to wildlife, journey, meals, portrait, or conceptual images – there’s one thing for everybody.
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The better part is that almost all competitions supply a number of classes, so that you’re more likely to discover a excellent match in your work. To assist you get began, I’ve put collectively a listing of images competitions with open calls which are accepting submissions from April till July 2026. It’s a small choice to spark inspiration, however there are numerous others on the market…
UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition
Deadline: April 6
Open to: Photographers of all levels who agree and follow the 2020 established charter of ethics in underwater photography – conservation rules will be strictly observed
Fee: Free to enter
Categories: Connecting Oceans, Big and Small Underwater Faces, Underwater Seascapes, Above Water Seascapes
Recognition: Winning images and finalists will be widely exposed throughout the contest websites, the media and the informational materials related to subsequent competitions. Winning photos have been printed for exhibitions around the world
For more information, visit the UN World Oceans Day Photo website.
FMoPA 2026 International Photography Competition
Deadline: April 22
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Fee: $10 per image
Categories: People/Portraits, Places/Landscape, Nature/Science/Animals, Documentation/Photojournalism, Still Life, Abstract, and Conceptual Photography
Prizes: Overall Winner receives $1,000 cash prize and consideration for a solo exhibition, Category Winners receive at least $100 value in goods and services, Group exhibition at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and more
For more information, visit the FMoPA website.
Nikon Small World Competitions
Small World Photomicrography Competition &
Small World In Motion Video Competition
Deadline: April 30
Open to: Photographers and videographers of all levels
Fee: Free to enter
Topic: Microscopy and photography through the microscope
Prizes: From £3,000 for 1st place down to $200 for Honorable Mentions, depending on specific competition
For more information, visit the Nikon Small World website.
Jalón Ángel Photography Awards 2026
Deadline: May 4
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Fee: Free to enter
Categories: Portrait, Travel, Migration and borders
Prizes: Category winners receive each €1,500
For more information, visit the Jalon Angel website.
Virginia Prize 2026
Deadline: May 7
Open to: Women photographers of all levels
Fee: Free
Topic: Free theme, Series of 12-18 photographs required
Prizes: Overall winner receives €10,000 cash prize
For more information, visit the Prix Virginia website.
MonoVisions Photography Awards
Deadline: May 17
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Fee: Early: single image $20, series $25, Final: single image $25, series $30
Focus: Black and white photography
Categories: Abstract, Architecture, Conceptual, Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature and Wildlife, Nude, People, Photojournalism, Portrait, Street Photography, Travel
Prizes: Black and White Series of the Year will receive $3,000, Black and White Photo of the Year will receive $2,000
For more information, visit the MonoVision Awards website.
HIPA 2026 (Richest Photography Award)
Deadline: May 31
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Fee: Free to enter
Categories: Families, Dreams Through AI, Sports Photography, Portfolio (Story-telling), General (Black % White and Color)
Prizes: Grand Prize: $200,000, Category Prizes: 1st: $40,000, 2nd: $30,000, 3rd: $20,000, Portfolio Prize: 1st $50,000, 2nd: $40,000, 3rd: $30,000, Special Awards: Photographer of the Year: $80,000, Content Creator Award: $50,000, Appreciation Award $100,000
For more information, visit the HIPA website.
photoED journal
Deadline: June 15
Open to: Photographers of all levels, worldwide exclusions: Residents of Russia, the Republic of Belarus and sanctioned countries (ie. Cuba, North Korea…)
Fee: Free to enter for community members (print edition subscription, Patreon patronage), general submissions CAN$20
Theme: Home VS Away, “Fine art photography projects that present the idea of HOME, an experience of AWAY, or a juxtaposition the two”
Publication: Issue #76 of photoED magazine
For more information, click here.
Epson International Pano Awards
Deadline: Early bird: June 22, Final: July 13
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Awards: Amateur, Open and VR/360
Fee: Depending on Awards category, $20-$22 per image
Categories: Amateur Awards & Open Awards: Nature/ Landscapes, Aerial, Built Environment. VR/360 Awards: Open VR/360
Prizes: TBA (last year’s prize pool was worth over $50,000, including $15,000 cash)
For more information, visit the Pano Awards website.
Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
Deadline: June 30
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Fee: Free to enter
Categories: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects, Fish and other Aquatic Species, Nikon Young Photographer (25 years and under), Nikon Junior (16 years and under), Portfolio, Nikon Video, Photo People’s Choice
Prizes: Nikon cameras and lenses for the Nikon-sponsored categories – top entrants have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, hosted by the incredible Alex Walker’s Serian, along with a beautifully handcrafted trophy. All category winners will also receive a premium camera bag courtesy of ThinkTANK, and a professionally designed website from Amazing Internet
For more information, visit the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards website.
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