Photography Contest

Unleashed: Think Beyond Themes

Unleashed: Think Beyond Themes

Deadline |

CLOSED

Theme |

Unleashed

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Open to all

Entry Fees |

$10-$100

Prizes |

Cash Prize

Host |

National Geographic Society
UNLEASHED is a call to every photographer who doesn’t believe in being constrained by a theme. As the first photography contest of the National Photographic Society, we want every photographer to capture what their hearts desire. Submit your favorite images with no bounds or limits to themes and interpretations, and let our viewers decide the winners through a fair and equitable process. This is your chance to get under the limelight, get guaranteed cash prizes of $500 and unparalleled promotions!

The winners of this contest will be decided through popular votes. Every visitor shall get a maximum of two votes and they can allocate them to any photograph(s) of their choice. You’re welcome to solicit your friends and family members to visit the entries, vote for you, and cheer you on.
​ Please note that The National Photographic Society reserves the right to overrule the voting results if they notice any breach in voting rules.

PRIZES & AWARDS​
The winners shall be awarded guaranteed cash prizes of $500.
FIRST PRIZE - Guaranteed $200 cash, Certificate of Recognition, Social Media Promotions, Email Campaigns
RUNNER-UP PRIZE - Guaranteed $150 cash, Certificate of Recognition, Promotions on social media and email campaigns
MERIT PRIZE - Guaranteed $100 cash, Certificate of Recognition, Promotions on social media
TALENT PRIZE - Guaranteed $50 cash, Certificate of Recognition
HONORABLE MENTION AWARD - Certificate of Recognition
FINALIST AWARD - Certificate of Recognition

Featured Photo Contest

AAP Magazine #59 / SHAPES

$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #59 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition

© Stephen Rauch

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!

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ENDS 06/21/26
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ENDS 06/28/26
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ENDS 06/30/26
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ENDS 06/30/26
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ENDS 07/01/26
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ENDS 07/02/26
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Our 59th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shapes".
ENDS 07/08/26
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ENDS 07/31/26
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ENDS 09/13/26
Eurazeo is launching the Eurazeo Photo Prize grant, with funding of €20,000
ENDS 09/24/26
A total of $8,000 in grants will be awarded to three outstanding artists
ENDS 10/11/26
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ENDS 11/26/26
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ENDS 01/05/27
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ENDS 01/05/27
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ENDS 01/12/27
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!