Photography Contest

Academy Photo Awards 2026

Academy Photo Awards 2026

Deadline |

CLOSED

Theme |

Celebrating the Beauty of Our Natural World

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Open to all

Entry Fees |

1 image free - after between $15 and $20

Prizes |

Cash Prize

Host |

Academy Photo Awards
Celebrating the Beauty of Our Natural World

The Academy Photo Awards 2026 is a seasonal photography competition dedicated to showcasing the breathtaking beauty, power, and fragility of nature. From majestic wildlife to serene landscapes, microscopic wonders to dramatic weather phenomena.


Prizes:

Grand Prize Winner
Best Nature Photograph of 2026
$500 USD
Includes a $500 cash award, a featured interview on the Academy Photo Awards platform, social media spotlight across all channels, a professional certificate of excellence, and priority exhibition opportunities.

Category Winners
Best in Each Category
$100 USD per category
Each category winner receives a $100 cash award, individual recognition on social media, a digital certificate of achievement, and a portfolio feature opportunity.

2nd & 3rd Place
Runner-up Awards
Certificates & Recognition
Includes digital certificates for 2nd and 3rd place in each category, social media mentions, and inclusion in the Winners Gallery.

Honorable Mentions
Special Recognition
Digital Certificate
Awarded to outstanding entries that demonstrate exceptional creativity and technical skill.

Additional Note
All winners receive international recognition, digital certificates, and extensive media coverage.

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
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ENDS 06/30/26
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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 07/04/26
Guest Room aims to spark collaboration.
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
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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!