Photography Open Calls
Competitions, awards, and call for entries for photographers worldwide. Submit your work to juried exhibitions, contests, and portfolio reviews.
UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition 2026 · United Nations / DivePhotoGuide
April 6, 2026 · Free
Free UN-backed ocean photography competition. 4 categories incl. above-water seascapes. Winners exhibited globally, announced at UN event.
Golden Turtle International Wildlife Festival 2026
April 7, 2026 · Free
International wildlife competition in 12 categories. Finalists exhibited in Moscow, published in festival album.
reFocus Awards - Black and White Photo Contest
April 7, 2026 · $25–$50
Celebrating black and white photography. Cash prizes and career-enhancing recognition.
Siena Creative Photo Awards 2026
April 7, 2026 · Free
International contest rewarding originality across 8 categories. Winners honored at ceremony in Siena's Teatro dei Rinnovati.
Earthly Fabulations · Der Greif
April 8, 2026 · Free (€10 voluntary)
Earth Day call for lens-based artists deconstructing landscape photography tradition. Ephemeral online exhibition.
1839 Awards Color Photography Contest
April 8, 2026 · $25–$50
Celebrating color photography. $4,000 in cash prizes, digital gallery, and global artist directory.
Golden Shot International Photography Awards 2026
April 10, 2026 · $25–$35
International competition across 16 categories including Portrait, Landscape, Street, Fine Art, and Documentary.
RESTART2026 · Lithuanian Photographers' Association
April 12, 2026 · €15
For photographers starting careers or reconsidering direction. 10-20 new photographs. Top 3 win solo exhibition in Vilnius.
SCAN Tarragona — Talent Latent 2026
April 12, 2026 · Free
International festival open call. Theme: Metamorphosis. €500 fee for selected projects. Exhibition Oct-Nov 2026.
Meitar Award for Excellence in Photography 2026 · PHOTO IS:RAEL
April 12, 2026 · $35–$45
International award. 20 finalists exhibited at Tel Aviv festival. Winner gets solo exhibition at 2027 festival.
XVI Concurso Internacional de Fotografía sobre Humanización Asistencial · Hospital San Juan de Dios de León
April 13, 2026 · Free
Photography reflecting humanization, solidarity, and care in healthcare and everyday life. Prizes: €600/€400/€200.
XIX Premio de Fotografía Fundación ENAIRE 2026
April 13, 2026 · Free
Prestigious prize since 2005. Open theme. Winning works join the ENAIRE Contemporary Art Collection.
Sharing and Caring Cities: Portraits of Collective Urban Life · Penn Institute for Urban Research
April 15, 2026 · Free
10th annual contest exploring shared urban spaces addressing inequality and climate change.
Portrait Awards 2026 · Dodho Magazine
April 15, 2026 · €30–€60
Fourth edition celebrating portrait as a space of presence and authorship amidst visual saturation. Barcelona.
Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026
April 15, 2026 · Free
Authentic images of urban life. Three categories: Local, National, International. Exhibited at Galerie Art Nomade.
Jugend fotografiert Deutschland 2025 · laif foundation
April 17, 2026 · Free
German youth contest ages 10-18. Documentary photo stories. "Be you. Be seen. Be heard." Teams welcome.
Women in Nature — Artist's Commission · Photo Museum Ireland
April 20, 2026 · Free
€15,000 commission for 12 portraits of women in nature restoration across Ireland. Exhibition + publication.
ZRNO Festival 2026 — Open Call
April 20, 2026 · €21
International festival of alternative photography. Analog and noble processes. Theme: Unfocus to see.
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2026 · National Portrait Gallery
April 21, 2026 · £22/image
Premier international portrait prize. £15,000 first prize. Exhibition at National Portrait Gallery, London, Nov 2026–Jan 2027.
LensCulture Critics' Choice 2026
April 22, 2026 · Free (1 image), $10/extra
20 leading critics each select 3 photographers. Top Ten receive $1,000 and exhibition at Photo London 2027.
NOVA24 2026 Project Open Call
April 22, 2026 · $10 donation (free for limited income)
Indie photo + film festival in Detroit. Projections, gallery shows, screenings. Experimental and innovative work. June–July 2026.
Black & White Spider Awards 2026
April 24, 2026 · $30–$35
Leading international B&W photography award. 21st edition. 235+ title awards. Judged by Steve McCurry and others.
The Flow 2026 Photo Contest · Flow Trip Magazine
April 24, 2026 · $6/image
Kodak-presented contest. $50,000 in prizes across 5 categories (Film, Surf, Nature, Energy, Oneness). $6/image.
ABSURIA — International Abstract & Surrealist Photography Contest 2026
April 26, 2026 · €20–€50
First international festival for abstract & surrealist photography. Physical exhibition in Tours, France. Trophy + online 3D gallery.
Impressum Photo Award 2026 · Appennino Foto Festival
April 26, 2026 · €30
7 open-theme sections and 2 themed projects (Rigenerare). Free entry ages 16-20. Finalists exhibited one month.
ND Awards 2026
April 26, 2026 · $19–$29
International competition across Architecture, Editorial, Fine Art, Nature, People, and Special categories.
reFocus Awards - Color Photography Contest
April 29, 2026 · $25–$50
Celebrating color photography. Cash prizes and digital gallery placement.
Night Aesthetics · Fotografiska
April 30, 2026 · Free
Exploring the visual world of the night — light, movement, atmosphere. Three winners receive €2,500 each.
Life Framer — Colors
April 30, 2026 · $20–$100
Monthly competition judged by Jimmy Marble. Winners exhibited in New York, Tokyo, Milan, and Arles.
International Photography Awards 2026
April 30, 2026 · $20–$40
One of the most prestigious annual competitions. 23rd edition. $60,000 prize pool across eleven categories.
London Photography Awards 2026 · International Awards Associate
April 30, 2026 · $25–$50
International awards across 13 categories. Separate professional and amateur/student divisions.
Photo Journalism Prize 2026
April 30, 2026 · €20–€25
International award for editorial and documentary photography. 11 categories including Conflict and Human Rights.
Gomma Black and White Photo Award 2026
April 30, 2026 · €29
Project-based B&W competition. Submit 8-24 images. Winners published in a dedicated book. 3rd edition.
International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2026
April 30, 2026 · $22
Celebrating aerial photography from all platforms — drones, planes, helicopters, mountains, and skyscrapers.
International Photography and Football Open Call 2026 · Fundación Televisa
April 30, 2026 · Free
Capture football in any form. Winners exhibited alongside Annie Leibovitz's Futbol 2026 in Mexico City.
Luz e Sombra — National Photography Competition · Égide — Associação Portuguesa das Artes
April 30, 2026 · Free
Portuguese competition exploring light and shadow. Six finalists published in artist-edition book and traveling exhibition.
New Wave Photography Award 2026 · Lightbox Photo Library
April 30, 2026 · TWD 1,200
Biennial award for emerging photographers. Judged by 16 curators from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
SIYU Award 2026
April 30, 2026 · CHF 50
Award for young Swiss photographers. Ten finalists exhibited at Photobastei Zurich with catalogue. Free theme.
Daylight Photo Awards 2026
May 1, 2026 · $35
Competition recognizing outstanding work. Top prize includes cash and digital portfolio. Monograph opportunity.
Alpine Fellowship Visual Art Prize 2026
May 1, 2026 · £10
Annual prize on the theme of JOY. All visual art media including photography. No AI.
PORTRAITS — Hellerau Photography Award 2026
May 3, 2026 · €30–€50
Theme: Escapism. 11th edition. €8,000 total prizes. Series and individual submissions. 50% student discount.
Exposure One Awards - One Shot Photo Contest
May 4, 2026 · $25–$50
Black and white photography celebration. Cash prizes, digital gallery, and artist directory placement.
XII Premio Internacional de Fotografía Jalón Ángel
May 4, 2026 · Free
Three categories: Portrait, Travel, Migration & Borders. One photo per category. No AI. Zaragoza, Spain.
Open Call — Il Reportage in Italia · Festival del Reportage
May 8, 2026 · Free
Reportage photography projects made in Italy. €500 prize, festival projection, full hospitality. Ascoli Piceno.
Hasselblad Foundation Nature Photography Grant 2026
May 8, 2026 · Free
Grant for photographic explorations of nature, landscape, and environment. Nordic citizens/residents. 1-3 year projects.
PX3 State of the World 2026 · Prix de la Photographie Paris
May 13, 2026 · €35
Series reflecting unfiltered global stories. 30 photographers selected for curated exhibition at Paris Photo Prize.
MonoVisions Black & White Photography Awards 2026
May 17, 2026 · $25–$30
International B&W competition across 12 categories including Abstract, Architecture, Fine Art, and Street.
The Photo Review 41st Annual International Photography Competition
May 20, 2026 · $40
41st edition. Juried by Dr. Sarah Kennel (VMFA). Exhibition at Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia. $1,000 purchase prize.
Global Peace Photo Award 2026 · Global Peace Photo Award
May 24, 2026 · Free
Free award for photos of peaceful coexistence. €11,000 in prizes, Alfred Fried Peace Medal, Vienna ceremony.
Life Framer — Portraits
May 31, 2026 · $20–$100
Monthly competition judged by Robin Hammond. Winners exhibited in New York, Tokyo, Milan, and Arles.
Nature Photographer of the Year 2026
May 31, 2026 · €35
International nature competition with 12 categories plus young photographers and portfolio awards.
HIPA Photography Award 2026 · Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
May 31, 2026 · Free
Major international award. 2026 theme: Family. Free entry. Categories include Dreams Through AI and Sports.
Natural Landscape Photography Awards 2026
May 31, 2026 · $17–$68
Celebrating realistic landscape photography. No AI or compositing. RAW file checks for finalists.
Queer Nature Photography Awards 2026 · Narwhal Rainbow Alliance
May 31, 2026 · Free
Free-entry award celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity through nature photography. Prizes include exhibitions.
Better Photography Magazine Photographer of the Year 2026
May 31, 2026 · AUD $20/image
19th edition. Four categories judged by AIPP Grand Masters with individual feedback. AUD $5,000 total prizes.
Lenscratch Student Prize 2026
June 1, 2026 · Free
Annual prize for student photographers. $2,000 first prize plus mentorship with Aline Smithson.
Archifoto 2026 — Architecture & Landscape · La Chambre
June 1, 2026 · €10
European architectural photography award, 8th edition. Theme: Architecture & Landscape. €500 per nominee + exhibition in Strasbourg.
Mangrove Photography Awards 2026 · Mangrove Action Project
June 1, 2026 · Free
Free conservation photography awards — 6 categories. $1,000 Photographer of the Year + category prizes. Young photographer award.
Denis Roussel Award 2026 · Rfotofolio
June 7, 2026 · Free (donation optional)
For historical and alternative photographic processes including silver gelatin. $2,000 main award.
British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026
June 7, 2026 · £35–£40
UK wildlife photography awards — 12 categories. Winners in Collection 14 book + UK touring exhibition. Youth entry free.
Rarefied Light 2026 · Alaska Photographic Center
June 10, 2026 · $15–$30
Statewide juried exhibition with Nevada Wier (Nat Geo). Travels to four Alaska galleries from October 2026.
Bowness Photography Prize 2026
June 15, 2026 · $55 AUD
Australia's richest photography prize. $50,000 AUD winner. 20th year. Australian citizens/residents only.
Hariban Award 2026 · Benrido
June 15, 2026 · $50
International collotype competition. Grand Prize: two-week residency in Kyoto with master collotype printers.
Black and White Photo Awards 2026
June 15, 2026 · €15 per category
International B&W competition — 6 categories incl. Architecture, Street, Landscape. €1,500 absolute winner + €200 per category.
Photo of the Season — Worth a Thousand Words · The Image Flow
June 20, 2026 · $15
Seasonal competition for narrative-driven images. $150 first prize. The Image Flow gallery, San Anselmo, CA.
Berlin Photo Awards 2026
June 27, 2026 · €25
International competition with 24 categories. Winners exhibited at ERSTERERSTER Gallery Berlin.
FotoDoc Photo Contest 2026
June 30, 2026 · Free
International documentary contest. Three categories. 25 winners exhibited at FotoDoc Festival, São Paulo.
Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2026
June 30, 2026 · Free
Celebrating the funniest moments in wildlife photography. Free entry. Grand prize: Kenya safari for two.
Apparently in America — Artist Award 2026
July 4, 2026 · $10
Photography award on American identity. $500 prize. Fee waivers available. Founded by curator Francesca Hummler.
Home · Photography 4 Humanity
July 12, 2026 · Free
Exploring home — safety, belonging, dignity. Selected works exhibited at the United Nations HQ in New York.
Fotografiska HOME — Global Open Call
July 12, 2026 · Free
Global open call exploring home. Exhibition at UN Headquarters. Guest curator: James Nachtwey. No AI.
Epson International Pano Awards 2026
July 13, 2026 · $20–$22
World's largest panoramic photography competition. $50K+ prizes incl. $15K cash. New Aerial category. Open, Amateur, VR/360.
Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize — MPB Photography Award 2026
July 17, 2026 · $40
Representational photography. $3,000 first prize + exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco. No AI.
Chromatic Photography Awards 2026
July 19, 2026 · $17–$22
International color competition across 20 categories. Separate Professional and Amateur divisions.
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2026
July 22, 2026 · €20–€50
One of Europe's most prestigious awards. Categories from Analog to Advertising. Exhibited in Paris.
Analog Sparks — International Film Photography Awards 2026
July 31, 2026 · €10–€25
Discovering and promoting analog photographers. Exhibited at House of Lucie in Athens and Ostuni.
Camera Clara Photo Award 2026
July 31, 2026 · Free
Exclusively for large-format camera photographers. Unpublished series of 5-10 images. Prize money + exhibition.
Roma E'Festival — Street Photography Awards 2026 · Effe4.0 Street Photography
July 31, 2026 · €20–€70
Five categories including Smartphone and AI-Generated. Finalists exhibited in Rome. Leica-sponsored prizes.
Tokyo International Foto Award 2026
August 1, 2026 · €15–€50
International competition introducing photographers to Tokyo's creative community. Winners exhibited in Tokyo.
Milano Photo Awards 2026 · TheStreetSoup
August 15, 2026 · €20–€80
Exhibition and contest in Milan with Sebastiao Salgado tribute. Street, portraits, reportage, nature. Nikon Italia.
World Cyanotype Day · AlternativePhotography.com
October 2, 2026 · Free
Annual international celebration of the cyanotype process. Submit your cyanotype work to be featured.
Exibart Street Photography Contest — 5th Edition
October 15, 2026 · €10–€49
International street contest by Italy's leading art magazine. Leica Q3 grand prize. Five categories.
World Anthotype Day · AlternativePhotography.com
October 31, 2026 · Free
Annual celebration of plant-based photographic printing processes. Entries open August through October.
Monochrome Awards 2026
November 15, 2026 · $22–$27
International B&W competition with 14 categories. Professional and amateur divisions. Annual book.
Annual Photography Awards 2026
December 13, 2026 · $25–$40
8th edition. Five main categories, 25 subcategories. Looking for bold and innovative approaches.
Fotografiska Emerging Artist Platform
Continuous · Free
Multiple open calls for emerging photographers. Exhibitions at Fotografiska museums and the UN Headquarters.
Open Doors Takeovers
Continuous · £17
Discovery account featuring artist takeovers. Connected to UNSEEN art fair and Approche.
Insight Foto Festival — Insight Out 2026
January 25, 2026 · Free
Independent photography exhibitions and projects exploring the theme ABITO. Sixth edition in Varese, Italy.
Photo Laureate 2026 · Saint Petersburg Month of Photography
March 17, 2026 · Free
One photographer selected to document Tampa Bay for one year. Solo exhibition at Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
The Human Portrait · Photo Artfolio
March 25, 2026 · $20
Global online exhibit honoring portraiture in all forms — documentary, fine art, street, conceptual, and experimental.
Brussels Street Photography Festival 2026
March 25, 2026 · €12–€45
International street photography competition with Singles and Series tracks. Exhibition in Brussels, May 2026.
MUSE Photography Awards 2026 · International Awards Associate
March 26, 2026 · $25–$55
International competition across 14+ categories. Professional and Amateur divisions. Winners featured on Muse.World.
International Color Awards 2026
March 27, 2026 · $30–$35
19th annual international color photography competition. 235+ title awards across 35 categories.
The Woman Artist Award — 6th Edition · Arts to Hearts Project
March 27, 2026 · $12
Global art prize celebrating emerging and mid-career women artists. Open theme, any medium including photography.
Prix Révélation SAIF x La Kabine 2026
March 29, 2026 · €5
Award for emerging contemporary photography. €2,000 prize plus exhibition during Festival OFF Arles.
Form Photo Award 2026
March 29, 2026 · €35
Annual prize for contemporary image-making. Top 5 exhibit at photo basel during Art Basel Week, June 2026.
Head On Photo Festival 2026
March 29, 2026 · $35 AUD
Major international festival in Sydney. AUD 80,000 prize pool across Portrait, Landscape, and Exposure categories.
Paradajs Photo Fest 2026 — Welcome to Paradise
March 29, 2026 · €10–€15
Exploring paradise in unconventional ways. Grand Prix: €2,000 + one-month residency in Banská Štiavnica.
BBA Photography Prize 2026
March 30, 2026 · €59
International photography prize. First prize: solo exhibition at BBA Gallery Berlin in 2027 and Artsy profile.
KYOTOGRAPHIE International Portfolio Review 2026
March 31, 2026 · ¥2,000
Portfolio review with world-class experts in Kyoto. Fujifilm Award and KYOTOGRAPHIE x Dazed Award for emerging work.
Field Notes — Aurea Photogallery
March 31, 2026 · Free (€30 if accepted)
Photographs as visual observations — moments collected while moving through the world. Online exhibition with catalogue.
Life Framer — Black & White
March 31, 2026 · $20–$100
Monthly competition judged by Léa Thouin. Winners exhibited in New York, Tokyo, Milan, and Arles. $24,000 annual prizes.
The Process Room - Open Call for Workshops & Artworks · Alternative Processes
March 31, 2026 · PWYC
Workshops and artworks exploring alternative photographic processes. With Photobook Cafe.
Colour Calendar Event · AlternativePhotography.com
March 31, 2026 · Free
Annual event inviting artists to introduce colour into monochrome alternative processes — cyanotype, chemigram, anthotype.
2026 Street Photo Award · The Independent Photographer
March 31, 2026 · $15–$40
Monthly street photography competition. $1,000 winner prize, PBC Gallery London exhibition. $2,700 total pool.
A Stranger's Face: Travel Portraits (KLPA) · Kuala Lumpur Photo Awards
March 31, 2026 · €15-65
18th edition seeking travel portraits of strangers. Featured in Malaysian exhibition and international partner festivals.
Color, Culture, Continuum – An Asian American Mosaic · Asian American Museum of Orange County
March 31, 2026 · $30
Celebrating Asian American life through photography — identity, heritage, and community.
EuroNatur Photo Competition 2026
March 31, 2026 · Free
Nature photography for European residents. Winners published in EuroNatur magazine and 2027 wall calendar.
Off The Clock 2026 · APA Los Angeles
March 31, 2026 · $20–$40
15th annual curated competition for personal work. Juror: Chris Pichler (Nazraeli Press). 100 winners, printed catalogue.
People 2026 · Grid Photo Gallery
March 31, 2026 · €7
Exploring the human figure across all approaches — portraits, documentary, street, and studio. Online exhibition.
European Landscapes Open Call · Soft Publishing
March 31, 2026 · Free
Photographs of European landscapes for a printed photo book. No manipulated or AI-generated photos.
Northern Europe Landscapes Open Call · Soft Publishing
March 31, 2026 · Free
Northern European natural and rural landscapes (no buildings) for a printed photo book. No AI-generated photos.
Photobook Feature — In Focus · Der Greif
March 31, 2026 · PWYC
Photobooks featured in Der Greif's Articles section with editorial write-up. Self-published and small-edition welcome.
Guest Room: Shana Lopes & Aspen Mays · Der Greif
April 2, 2026 · PWYC
Theme: "A Little Bit of Magic" — doubling, sleight of hand, constructed realities, illusion. Curated for Der Greif.