Photography Contest
2025 Banff Mountain Photo Essay
Deadline |
05/05/25Theme |
Mountain-themed photo essaysTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Calling all Professional Mountain and Adventure PhotographersEntry Fees |
FREEPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
Banff CentreThe Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition 2025, 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 2025, 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 2025, with entries judged on their effectiveness in conveying the mountain story through composition, technique, content, and originality.
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© Jacque Rupp
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 02/27/25
Our 46th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Women".
ENDS 02/27/25
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ENDS 02/28/25
Gomma invites you to take part in this new adventure. Show us the limitless nuances of our world in monochrome.
ENDS 02/28/25
The proceeds from the project will go towards the international co-financing grant “Water is Life 2024“.
ENDS 02/28/25
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 03/03/25
Earth Photo 2025 invites submissions from still and moving image makers of all ages, from anywhere in the world, who have a compelling story to share about our planet.
ENDS 03/05/25
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 03/07/25
This year’s contest theme, "Inspire," seeks entries that provoke thought, elicit emotions, and inspire audiences to view the world from new angles.
ENDS 03/13/25
An international photography award platforming emerging and established artists in prestigious institutions worldwide.
ENDS 03/17/25
Picto Foundation is pleased to launch the 27th call for submissions for the Prix Picto de la Photographie de Mode.
ENDS 03/18/25
Be Featured in our April 2025 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 03/31/25
Beauty can be found in every facet of life. The Lucie Foundation invites you to explore the concept of beauty especially in places less obvious.
ENDS 03/31/25
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 04/08/25
TIFA connects photographers from around the world with the creative community in Tokyo, Japan, providing them with an excellent platform to present their work to a new market.
ENDS 04/13/25
The Prix Viviane Esders is awarded to a professional, independant, European photographer who is still active, and demonstrates a personal style and artistic approach.
ENDS 04/15/25
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.
ENDS 04/17/25
This new initiative is dedicated to empowering photographers globally, providing grants and resources to support the creation of compelling documentary photo essays
ENDS 04/30/25
Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography.
ENDS 05/18/25
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 05/31/25
POWER will be the main theme of the season. The Grand Prize of USD $200,000 will be awarded to one winner from any category this season, not limited to the main theme.
ENDS 02/08/26
The winner will receive £15,000, the second prize is £3,000, and the third prize is £2,000.