Photography Contest
Big Picture 2025
Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
Photo Story: In My Backyard!Territory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to allEntry Fees |
$25 for up to 10 single image submissions in any categoryPrizes |
Cash PrizeWe don’t have to venture to the ends of the Earth to discover the beauty and surprising stories of the natural world. This year’s photo story opens our eyes to what’s happening in our own backyards: nearby parks, gardens, forests, streets, villages, ponds, streams, soil and skies. What changes have you been observing closely or close by over the days or years? What community or conservation work have you been focusing on? Show and tell us what’s been happening in your own backyard!
BigPicture is open to all photography enthusiasts and professionals alike worldwide to compete for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize.
Now in its 12th year, BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences.
The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 for the best overall image in the 2025 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition and be featured in the annual exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. The first place winners of the seven official categories will each receive $1,000 in cash and also have their winning images featured in the annual exhibit. Up to 6 additional finalists will be awarded a certificate of recognition for each category, with the exception of the Photo Story category. The Photo Story category will have one first place awarded.
A People's Choice winner will be awarded $300.
Image: Backyard Friend (from Cities Gone Wild) © Corey Arnold , 2023 Grand Prize Winner
BigPicture is open to all photography enthusiasts and professionals alike worldwide to compete for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize.
Now in its 12th year, BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences.
The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 for the best overall image in the 2025 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition and be featured in the annual exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. The first place winners of the seven official categories will each receive $1,000 in cash and also have their winning images featured in the annual exhibit. Up to 6 additional finalists will be awarded a certificate of recognition for each category, with the exception of the Photo Story category. The Photo Story category will have one first place awarded.
A People's Choice winner will be awarded $300.
Image: Backyard Friend (from Cities Gone Wild) © Corey Arnold , 2023 Grand Prize Winner
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 2025
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 2025 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 06/28/26
The international photography contest URBAN Photo Awards is here: registrations will open on March 28th and this 16th edition will be the largest and most important ever.
ENDS 06/30/26
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 06/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 06/30/26
Selected photobooks will be featured in Der Greif’s Articles section, including a dedicated editorial feature highlighting the project, its context, and the maker(s).
ENDS 07/01/26
Critical Mass sparks career-changing opportunities. Ready to get your work noticed? This is the place to do it.
ENDS 07/02/26
The Emerging Photographer Grant aims to provide a $10,000 grant to visual storytellers at the beginning of their careers in order to develop impactful visual narratives.
ENDS 07/07/26
Our 59th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shapes".
ENDS 07/08/26
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 07/15/26
Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to send us your most beautiful Colors or Black & White street photos.
ENDS 07/19/26
Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of photographic art that demonstrates the fundamental qualities that make motion & blur a compelling element of contemporary photography.
ENDS 07/21/26
Be Featured in our August 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
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.
ENDS 07/31/26
A competition for world class commercial photographers, judged by a prestigious panel of experts from renowned advertising agencies, magazines & brands.
ENDS 08/31/26
To help photographers improve their chances, we have launched a portfolio and contest submission review service.
ENDS 09/01/26
Financial support, publication in The Guardian, loan of Canon camera equipment, a year-long mentorship, an assignment, potential conflict training, work seen by a panel of industry experts
ENDS 09/05/26
The Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards celebrate the photobook's contribution to the evolving narrative of photography
ENDS 09/11/26
$12,000 in total grants awarded to three artists
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
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 11/26/26
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/05/27
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/05/27
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
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!