đź“· PhotoRecipes
Outils pour photographes

Photo Competitions

Curated list of notable photography competitions with focus areas, categories, prize structures and submission guidance. Verify current rules & deadlines on official sites before entering.

ND Awards sample winning photograph

ND Awards (Neutral Density Awards)

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Deadline: Final deadline 21 Sep 2025 (annual)Fee: Per image / series (tiered, pro & non‑pro)Prizes: Grand: $3,500 / $2,400 + category $500/$400 + exposure

Categories: Professional, Non‑Professional, Category Winners

Annual international photography contest promoting creative excellence across professional and non‑professional sections. Emphasis on artistic vision, diversity of perspective and technical refinement. Cash prizes exceed $10,000 with grand titles ND Photographer of the Year (pro) and ND Discovery of the Year (non‑pro). Judged by gallery owners, editors, publishers and acclaimed photographers. Winners gain year‑long gallery showcase, press exposure, certificate and winner assets.

  • Cash + international press exposure
  • Separate pro & non-pro divisions
  • Year-long Winners Gallery showcase
International Photography Awards ceremony image

International Photography Awards (IPA)

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Deadline: Annual cycle (winners announced 2025)Fee: Tiered by category & levelPrizes: Top cash awards + trophy + publication & exhibition

Categories: Advertising, Architecture, Editorial, Fine Art, Nature, People, Sports, Event, Special

Global competition judging 14k+ entries from 100+ countries across extensive professional & non‑professional / student divisions. Honours Photographer of the Year (pro) and Discovery of the Year (non‑pro). Renowned international jury evaluates creativity, impact, technical mastery and narrative strength. Includes exhibitions, annual book, category distinctions (Advertising, Architecture, Fine Art, Editorial, Nature, People, Sports, Event, Special).

  • Large international jury
  • Professional & student divisions
  • Annual curated book & exhibitions
Winning panoramic photography example - Epson International Pano Awards

Epson International Pano Awards

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Deadline: Early-bird 7 Jul 2025 / Final 28 Jul 2025Fee: USD $18 per image (Open/Amateur/VR)Prizes: Cash + trophies + specialty awards

Categories: Open, Amateur, VR/360, Nature / Landscape, Built Environment, Special Awards

World’s leading panoramic photography awards dedicated to stitched, cropped and multi‑frame or single capture panoramas (≥2:1). Separate Open, Amateur and VR/360 competitions. Judging is blind; scoring system allocates Gold (top 2%), Silver (next 10%), Bronze (next 33%). Special awards include Southeast Asia Open POTY, RAW Planet, Digital Art, Curator’s Award plus additional technical distinctions (Gigapixel, Aerial, Smartphone, Analogue). Strong ethical stance and strict panorama definition.

  • Blind judging & percentile medal system
  • Dedicated panorama focus
  • Multiple technical special awards
Independent Photographer cover image

The Independent Photographer Awards

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Deadline: Monthly (themed cycles)Fee: Per monthly submission (series discounts)Prizes: Monthly cash awards + publication & exposure

Categories: Monthly Themes, Street, Portrait, Color, B&W, Landscape, Travel, People, Visual Story

Monthly themed awards + online magazine platform fostering artistic identity & narrative depth. Each month a different genre (Street, Portrait, Color, B&W, Landscape, Travel, Visual Story). Prestigious guest judges (e.g., Magnum, National Geographic, Vogue editors). Winners receive cash (up to $2,700 total monthly pool), publication, international exposure (social reach 900k+), portfolio features and feedback. Rolling upcoming theme calendar published well in advance.

  • Renowned rotating guest judges
  • High social media reach for winners
  • Strong editorial + narrative focus
Xposure Awards branding

Xposure International Photography & Film Awards

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Deadline: Annual (program dependent)Fee: Varies; some programs freePrizes: USD 42K pool + exhibitions + $15K grant

Categories: International, Film, Visual Storytelling, Junior, Photojournalist Grant

Comprehensive awards ecosystem (Photography, Film, Visual Storytelling, Junior, Independent & Freelance Photojournalist Grant). Celebrates compelling visual narratives and technical excellence. International Photography Awards span nine categories (e.g., Architectural, Mobile, Nature, Portrait, Documentary). Offers free or low‑fee entry paths, global exhibition opportunities at the Xposure Festival (Sharjah, UAE) and educational programs (workshops, portfolio reviews). Photojournalist Award grants USD 15,000 supporting impactful storytelling.

  • Multiple program tracks (photo & film)
  • Significant grant for freelancers
  • Festival exhibition & education platform
Viltrox VIA Award branding

Viltrox VIA Award

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Deadline: Annual (brand schedule)Fee: Typically free (promotional)Prizes: Cash $10K → $500 + gear bundles & vouchers

Categories: Photo Channel, Short Film, General, Multiple Tier Winners

Brand‑sponsored creative imagery award highlighting innovation using Viltrox ecosystem. Multi‑tier prize structure (grand $10K + gear; additional tiers $5K, $3K, $1K and coupons). Dedicated channel prizes (Photo, Short Film, General) and product bundles (cameras, lenses, lighting, storage, accessories, software subscriptions). Judges and sponsor network underscore lens‑centric creativity and community engagement.

  • High-value gear bundles
  • Multiple winner tiers
  • Brand ecosystem focus
Andromeda Core winning astronomy photograph

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

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Deadline: Annual (exhibition opens Sept)Fee: Per entry (youth concessions)Prizes: Cash awards + exhibition + publication

Categories: Galaxies, Skyscapes, Our Sun, Our Moon, Aurorae, Planets/Comets/Asteroids, People & Space, Stars & Nebulae, Best Newcomer, Open, Young

Premier astrophotography competition (Royal Observatory Greenwich) showcasing global excellence across themed space categories (Galaxies, Skyscapes, Our Sun, Our Moon, Aurorae, Planets/Comets/Asteroids, People & Space, Stars & Nebulae, Best Newcomer, Annie Maunder Open, Young Competition). Focus on scientific accuracy, aesthetic impact, originality & technical skill. Exhibition at National Maritime Museum with over 100 images on illuminated displays, accompanying book & global media coverage.

  • Highly curated museum exhibition
  • Multiple specialized astro categories
  • Accompanying book & global press