Photography Contest
2024 Banff Mountain Photo Essay
Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
Mountain-themed photo essaysTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Calling all Professional Mountain and Adventure PhotographersEntry Fees |
FREEPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
Banff CentreThe Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition 2024, hosted by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada, is a distinguished event that showcases the unique intersection of photography and mountain culture. This competition invites photographers, both amateur and professional, from around the globe to submit photo essays that capture the essence of mountains and the myriad experiences they offer. The emphasis of this event is on storytelling through photography, where each entry, comprising three to five images, should narrate a compelling story or evoke strong emotions related to mountain life.
The competition focuses on various aspects of mountain culture, including adventure, wildlife, sports, environment, and natural history. It seeks to highlight the diverse and dynamic nature of mountains and the communities, ecologies, and cultures that surround them. The photo essays are expected to be not just visually stunning but also narratively powerful, able to communicate a deeper understanding or perspective of the mountain world. This attribute makes the competition a platform not just for showcasing photographic skills but also for storytelling and cultural exchange.
Moreover, the Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition stands as a significant opportunity for photographers to gain international recognition. The winning essay, along with selected entries, will be featured in the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, offering wide exposure. This exposure is not just limited to the photographic community but extends to a global audience of mountain and outdoor enthusiasts. The competition thus serves as a bridge between the art of photography and the diverse, global community of people who find inspiration and meaning in mountain landscapes.
The Grand Prize winner of the competition will receive $3,000 CAD. The winning entry will be recognized for its compelling storytelling through a series of images, each strong enough to stand alone yet collectively conveying a powerful narrative. The selected winner will be announced in June 2024, with entries judged on their effectiveness in conveying the mountain story through composition, technique, content, and originality.
The competition focuses on various aspects of mountain culture, including adventure, wildlife, sports, environment, and natural history. It seeks to highlight the diverse and dynamic nature of mountains and the communities, ecologies, and cultures that surround them. The photo essays are expected to be not just visually stunning but also narratively powerful, able to communicate a deeper understanding or perspective of the mountain world. This attribute makes the competition a platform not just for showcasing photographic skills but also for storytelling and cultural exchange.
Moreover, the Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition stands as a significant opportunity for photographers to gain international recognition. The winning essay, along with selected entries, will be featured in the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, offering wide exposure. This exposure is not just limited to the photographic community but extends to a global audience of mountain and outdoor enthusiasts. The competition thus serves as a bridge between the art of photography and the diverse, global community of people who find inspiration and meaning in mountain landscapes.
The Grand Prize winner of the competition will receive $3,000 CAD. The winning entry will be recognized for its compelling storytelling through a series of images, each strong enough to stand alone yet collectively conveying a powerful narrative. The selected winner will be announced in June 2024, with entries judged on their effectiveness in conveying the mountain story through composition, technique, content, and originality.
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #54 / Nature
Our 54th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme: Nature. Capturing the Splendor of Landscapes, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna
© Jo Fields
Best Photography Contests in 2024
Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2024 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!
ENDS 11/18/25
Be Featured in our December 2025 Online Juried Solo Exhibition! Juror; Ed Kashi!
ENDS 11/30/25
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 12/01/25
Our Annual Photo Contest is now open for submissions, and we’re looking for the best of the best. Grand Prize: $2,500,
ENDS 12/01/25
The Rencontres d’Arles is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Discovery Award. Jury award of €15,000 and public award of €5,000
ENDS 12/04/25
Winners of the competition receive cash awards, certificates, a trophy (for the top award) and an invitation to the awards ceremony in London, have their work published in the competition’s portfolio book
ENDS 01/06/26
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/06/26
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/06/26
First place receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book
ENDS 01/08/26
All Finalists: All five finalists participate in a group exhibition organized by Aperture at AIPAD in New York in April 2026.
ENDS 01/09/26
First-place winners in each category will receive $3,000, while second and third places will get $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.
ENDS 01/13/26
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 02/15/26
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 03/01/26
Full Tuition, a Leica camera system on loan for the academic year and an opportunity to present their work at the Leica Store in New York City’s Meatpacking District.
ENDS 03/31/26
Entries are open worldwide to photographers using an iPhone or iPad. Photos should not be published previously anywhere. The posts on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram etc.) are eligible.
ENDS 05/17/26
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.