Whether you're a seasoned photographer, a beginner just getting started or simply someone who loves capturing beautiful moments, submitting your work to photography competitions is one of the best ways to gain exposure and recognition.
Entering competitions isn't just about winning – though prizes and publicity are great bonuses! It's also a chance to dive into your archives, rediscover your best images and refine your personal style. Even if you don't make the shortlist, the experience itself is rewarding and can push your photography to the next level.
In fact, many photographers say competitions were the stepping stone that helped them build a name, grow their audience or land their first big feature. And with so many open calls across all genres – from astrophotography and macro, to wildlife, travel, food, portrait, or conceptual photography – there's something for everyone.
The best part is that most competitions offer multiple categories, so you're likely to find a perfect match for your work. To help you get started, I've put together a list of photography competitions with open calls that are accepting submissions from March until July 2026. It's a small selection to spark inspiration, but there are countless others out there…
National Geographic Traveller Competition
Deadline: March 22
Open to: Photographers of all levels residing in the UK or Ireland
Fee: Free
Categories: Urban, Wildlife, Landscape, Food, People, Portfolio, Aerial (New), Rising Star (new, emerging talent aged 18-25, broad travel theme)
Prizes: Grand Prize: 11-day self-drive trip for two to British Columbia, Canada, 30-minute mentoring session with Nat Geo Traveller (UK) Art Director & Photography Editor, subscription to National Geographic Traveller, Category Winners (8): One-year subscription to National Geographic Traveller, mentor session with Art Director & Photography Editor, publication of winning image in the magazine
For more information, visit the National Geographic website.
Brussel Street Photography Festival
Deadline: March 25
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Fee: 1 to 5 photos – €15 per image, 6 to 10 photos – €12 per image, 1 series of 5 to 7 photos – €45
Focus: Street Photography
Categories: Single or Series
Prizes: €5,200 prize pool, first prize winner in single and series categories will be interviewed for BSP’s website, and a judge during the first selection round of BSPF ’28
For more information, visit the BSP Festival website.
iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS)
Deadline: March 31
Open to: iPhone and iPad photographers of all levels
Fee: From $7.50 per image
Categories: Abstract, Animals, Architecture, Children, Citylife/Cityscape, Landscape, Lifestyle, Nature, People, Portrait, Series (3 images), Other
Prizes: All entries compete for the prestigious IPPA Photographer of the Year Award title, top 3 winners, category winners receive Gold Bar, top three winners will be published on IPPAWARDS online gallery, further prices to be confirmed
For more information, visit the IPPAWARDS website.
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.
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.
photoED magazine
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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