Natural Landscape Photography Awards 2026

The Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA) was founded in 2021 by photographers Tim Parkin, Matt Payne, Rajesh Jyothiswaran, and Alex Nail. The 2026 cycle is the 6th edition. The competition was set up specifically as a response to the increasing prevalence of compositing and heavy manipulation in landscape photography contests — NLPA positions itself as the prize for landscape work that represents the natural world truthfully.

Post-processing rules are unusually strict. Editing tools like Photoshop are permitted "when used sensitively" to enhance the viewer's experience, but compositing and substantive manipulations that mislead viewers about the natural scene are excluded. AI-generated images are not accepted. Finalists must provide RAW files for verification — a check that has become a defining feature of the award.

The 2026 cycle is judged by Anna Morgan, Albert Dros, Wayne Suggs, Mark Littlejohn, and Eric Bennett. The judging panel rotates each year. Categories cover grand scenic landscapes, intimate landscapes, abstracts, and other formats specific to the natural world.

Submissions accept 1 to 18 images. Eligibility is open globally to photographers worldwide. The 2026 deadline is May 31, with results announced September 15. Total prize pool is approximately $5,000 across categories; specific entry fees are tiered and listed on the awards site.