for people who make.

Opportunities

Photography Competitions

Open photography competitions and awards, from wildlife, food and sports photography to fine art, documentary and mobile photography, with deadlines, entry fees and prizes checked against each official site. Free and paid, sorted by deadline so the ones closing soonest come first.

26 open now · next deadline 1 Nov 2026

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Questions

Which photography competitions are free to enter?
Several major awards are free, including the Sony World Photography Awards Open and Student competitions and a number of themed awards. Use the Entry fee filter to see only free photography competitions, and read each listing for the rights you give the organiser.
How do I choose the right photography competition?
Enter where your work fits the theme and the jury: a specialist award in your genre, such as wildlife, food or fine art, often gives better odds and more relevant exposure than a general contest. Compare what winners receive, from cash and equipment to exhibitions and publication, with the entry fee.
Can I enter photos taken on a phone?
Many competitions accept smartphone photos, and some, such as the iPhone Photography Awards, are only for mobile images. Check the technical requirements on each listing, including minimum file size and whether editing is allowed.
What rights do I give when I enter?
You normally keep the copyright, but you give the organiser a licence to use your images to promote the competition. Read the terms for how long that licence lasts and whether it covers commercial use; reputable competitions keep it limited to promotion.
How often is this list updated?
New photography competitions are added every week, and every listing shows the date its details were last checked against the official site. Closed competitions move to the bottom of the page.

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