Photography Contest
LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2026
Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
ArtTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
To qualify to enter the competition, you must be over 18 years of age.Entry Fees |
1st image free, $35/5 imagesPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
LensCultureThe LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2026 celebrate visionary image-makers who work with photography and photographic practices to create stunning new works of art. We welcome photographers and artists from every corner of the world to share work that surprises, challenges, delights, or expands our appreciation of the photographic medium.
There are no strict rules for this award. We’re excited to see every kind of creative approach — from conceptual and experimental projects, to prints made for gallery walls, to analog materials, montage, cameraless techniques, and new forms. If your work pushes boundaries, invents its own language, or blends photography with other media, this competition is for you.
What matters most is your unique vision — and the mastery with which you bring that vision to life.
Winners will be exhibited in New York during The Photography Show, celebrated online in LensCulture, featured in international press, awarded cash prizes, and gain access to powerful career-boosting opportunities. Read on to meet our international jury and learn how to enter.
We’re eager to discover new voices in art photography — and we warmly invite you to participate in our global community of creative thinkers, makers and photography lovers.
conceptual • experimental • cameraless • alternative process • narrative • cinematic • analog • found imagery • abstract • classic • still life • portraiture • environmental • mixed media
$10,000 in Cash Awards
There are no strict rules for this award. We’re excited to see every kind of creative approach — from conceptual and experimental projects, to prints made for gallery walls, to analog materials, montage, cameraless techniques, and new forms. If your work pushes boundaries, invents its own language, or blends photography with other media, this competition is for you.
What matters most is your unique vision — and the mastery with which you bring that vision to life.
Winners will be exhibited in New York during The Photography Show, celebrated online in LensCulture, featured in international press, awarded cash prizes, and gain access to powerful career-boosting opportunities. Read on to meet our international jury and learn how to enter.
We’re eager to discover new voices in art photography — and we warmly invite you to participate in our global community of creative thinkers, makers and photography lovers.
conceptual • experimental • cameraless • alternative process • narrative • cinematic • analog • found imagery • abstract • classic • still life • portraiture • environmental • mixed media
$10,000 in Cash Awards
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #60 / Nature
Our 60th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme: Nature. Capturing the Splendor of Landscapes, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna
© Marco Di marco
Best Photography Contests in 2025
Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2025 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!
ENDS 08/10/26
A competition for world class commercial photographers, judged by a prestigious panel of experts from renowned advertising agencies, magazines & brands.
ENDS 08/11/26
Be Featured in our September 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition! Juror: Ann Jastrab, Executive Director, Center for Photographic Art
ENDS 08/15/26
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 08/31/26
To help photographers improve their chances, we have launched a portfolio and contest submission review service.
ENDS 09/01/26
Financial support, publication in The Guardian, loan of Canon camera equipment, a year-long mentorship, an assignment, potential conflict training, work seen by a panel of industry experts
ENDS 09/01/26
During the fellowship, fellows produce an in-depth project local in New York City that demonstrates a commitment to social issues and community based work.
ENDS 09/01/26
TIFA connects photographers from around the world with the creative community in Tokyo, Japan, providing them with an excellent platform to present their work to a new market.
ENDS 09/05/26
The Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards celebrate the photobook's contribution to the evolving narrative of photography
ENDS 09/11/26
$12,000 in total grants awarded to three artists
ENDS 09/13/26
Eurazeo is launching the Eurazeo Photo Prize grant, with funding of €20,000
ENDS 09/15/26
This program is a juried competition open to a diversity of book submissions- from traditionally published to prototypes, hand-made books to zines
ENDS 09/24/26
A total of $8,000 in grants will be awarded to three outstanding artists
ENDS 10/11/26
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 11/26/26
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/05/27
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/05/27
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/12/27
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!