LensCulture Street Photography Awards 2026

The LensCulture Street Photography Awards is one of LensCulture's flagship annual competitions, drawing entries from across the world to a panel of editors, curators, gallerists, and Magnum photographers. The 2026 edition runs alongside LensCulture's wider awards programme and culminates in a winners' exhibition at Photo London 2027 — the UK's premier international photo fair — with an opening reception for artists, photo editors, curators, and industry insiders.

There are two competition categories. Series accepts up to 10 images on a single concept or project, with prizes of $3,500 (1st), $2,000 (2nd) and $1,000 (3rd). Single Image accepts standalone photographs, with prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500. Beyond the top six, an additional 9 Jurors' Picks are highlighted with individual quotes and 25 Finalists are promoted across LensCulture's editorial channels and global network of partners.

The 2026 jury panel is unusually broad: Nanna Heitmann (Magnum Photos), Eslah Attar (The New York Times), Michael Foley (Leica Gallery), Dr. Rebecca Swift (Getty Images), Audrey Delaporte (Le Monde), Scott Hall (Travel + Leisure), Gulnara Lyabib Samoilova (Women Street Photographers), Australian photographer-educator Sam Ferris, and Laura Sackett (LensCulture).

Entry is via lensculture.com. Every photographer gets one free single image entry. Additional single images cost $10 each (or 5 for $35), and a series of up to 10 images is $45. Optional written reviews from a photo expert can be added for $25 per submission, and full-time students receive a 30% discount on entry fees. Work must have been created within the past 10 years. The deadline is Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.