Photography Contest

Annual Photography Awards 2026

Deadline |
12/13/26Theme |
Several CategoriesTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to allEntry Fees |
$30 for single photo / $40 for seriesPrizes |
Cash PrizeThe seventh edition of this international photography competition features five main categories, each divided into 25 subcategories, providing participants with a broad platform to showcase their talent and artistic vision on the global stage.
We encourage bold and innovative approaches that challenge conventional artistic standards. Regardless of the chosen theme, participants can submit their work in up to five categories. There are no restrictions on interpretation, creativity, or aesthetics - every form of artistic expression is welcome. Our competition celebrates the diversity of photographic styles and techniques, promoting emerging talent and contributing to the recognition of photography as a true fine art.
This is a unique opportunity to gain international recognition, elevate your career, and present your work to a community of art enthusiasts and professionals. The Annual Photography Awards is not only a prestigious competition but also a chance to win attractive cash prizes, exclusive trophies, and esteemed accolades. Winners will receive official certificates and digital awards, solidifying their exceptional achievements in the field of photography.
If you are passionate about photography and eager to showcase your skills to a worldwide audience, don’t wait - submit your work today!
Prizes:
The Annual Photography Awards offer generous cash prizes, trophies and acclaimed awards for participating winners. Certificates and awards are available as digital downloads endorsed by the APA.
Grand Prize
- $2.500 in cash for overall Winner
- Annual Photographer of the Year 2026 title
Category Winners
- $500 for each of 5 categories Winners
- Category Annual Photographer of the Year 2026 title
We encourage bold and innovative approaches that challenge conventional artistic standards. Regardless of the chosen theme, participants can submit their work in up to five categories. There are no restrictions on interpretation, creativity, or aesthetics - every form of artistic expression is welcome. Our competition celebrates the diversity of photographic styles and techniques, promoting emerging talent and contributing to the recognition of photography as a true fine art.
This is a unique opportunity to gain international recognition, elevate your career, and present your work to a community of art enthusiasts and professionals. The Annual Photography Awards is not only a prestigious competition but also a chance to win attractive cash prizes, exclusive trophies, and esteemed accolades. Winners will receive official certificates and digital awards, solidifying their exceptional achievements in the field of photography.
If you are passionate about photography and eager to showcase your skills to a worldwide audience, don’t wait - submit your work today!
Prizes:
The Annual Photography Awards offer generous cash prizes, trophies and acclaimed awards for participating winners. Certificates and awards are available as digital downloads endorsed by the APA.
Grand Prize
- $2.500 in cash for overall Winner
- Annual Photographer of the Year 2026 title
Category Winners
- $500 for each of 5 categories Winners
- Category Annual Photographer of the Year 2026 title
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #56 / SHADOWS
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #56 | Website feature and International Press
© Francesco Pace Rizzi
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 04/07/26
Three separate grants of $5,000 each will be awarded to deserving photographers!
ENDS 04/12/26
The winner will receive a grant of $14,000 for a solo exhibition
ENDS 04/16/26
Emerging Photographers (under 30 year old ) 2 X $ 5000 grants.
ENDS 04/16/26
The main grant is open to professional photographers worldwide, one $30,000. grant
ENDS 04/21/26
The first prize winner will receive £15,000, the second prize winner £3,000, and the third prize winner £2,000.
ENDS 04/21/26
Be Featured in our April 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 04/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 04/30/26
Tthe Inge Morath Award, a $7,500 grant given to a woman photographer under the age of 30 to support the completion of a long-term documentary project.
ENDS 05/04/26
For the tenth year running, the Société des Auteurs des Arts Visuels et de l’Image Fixe (SAIF) is funding the €8,000 prize to encourage the work of a photojournalist committed to long-term projects.
ENDS 05/07/26
The 2026 Virginia Prize, worth €10,000, will be awarded to its winner in November 2026.
ENDS 05/11/26
The Bibliothèque nationale de France will present the work of the Bourse du Talent winners alongside other prestigious photography awards as part of the exhibition La Photographie à tout Prix in December
ENDS 05/13/26
This prize, with a production budget of €25,000, is open to any new photographer or artist using photography, submitting a previously unpublished dummy book.
ENDS 05/17/26
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 05/31/26
This season will feature five main categories, with ‘Family’ serving as the primary theme.
ENDS 06/01/26
The Lenscratch Student Prize has opened up a whole new line of connections, opportunities and exposure.
ENDS 06/03/26
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 06/15/26
Submit your best photographs now and get your chance to be one of the winners awarded in Siena!
ENDS 07/22/26
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.