Photography Contest
Academy Photo Awards 2026
Deadline |
04/30/26Theme |
Celebrating the Beauty of Our Natural WorldTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to allEntry Fees |
1 image free - after between $15 and $20Prizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
Academy Photo AwardsCelebrating the Beauty of Our Natural World
The Academy Photo Awards 2026 is a seasonal photography competition dedicated to showcasing the breathtaking beauty, power, and fragility of nature. From majestic wildlife to serene landscapes, microscopic wonders to dramatic weather phenomena.
Prizes:
Grand Prize Winner
Best Nature Photograph of 2026
$500 USD
Includes a $500 cash award, a featured interview on the Academy Photo Awards platform, social media spotlight across all channels, a professional certificate of excellence, and priority exhibition opportunities.
Category Winners
Best in Each Category
$100 USD per category
Each category winner receives a $100 cash award, individual recognition on social media, a digital certificate of achievement, and a portfolio feature opportunity.
2nd & 3rd Place
Runner-up Awards
Certificates & Recognition
Includes digital certificates for 2nd and 3rd place in each category, social media mentions, and inclusion in the Winners Gallery.
Honorable Mentions
Special Recognition
Digital Certificate
Awarded to outstanding entries that demonstrate exceptional creativity and technical skill.
Additional Note
All winners receive international recognition, digital certificates, and extensive media coverage.
The Academy Photo Awards 2026 is a seasonal photography competition dedicated to showcasing the breathtaking beauty, power, and fragility of nature. From majestic wildlife to serene landscapes, microscopic wonders to dramatic weather phenomena.
Prizes:
Grand Prize Winner
Best Nature Photograph of 2026
$500 USD
Includes a $500 cash award, a featured interview on the Academy Photo Awards platform, social media spotlight across all channels, a professional certificate of excellence, and priority exhibition opportunities.
Category Winners
Best in Each Category
$100 USD per category
Each category winner receives a $100 cash award, individual recognition on social media, a digital certificate of achievement, and a portfolio feature opportunity.
2nd & 3rd Place
Runner-up Awards
Certificates & Recognition
Includes digital certificates for 2nd and 3rd place in each category, social media mentions, and inclusion in the Winners Gallery.
Honorable Mentions
Special Recognition
Digital Certificate
Awarded to outstanding entries that demonstrate exceptional creativity and technical skill.
Additional Note
All winners receive international recognition, digital certificates, and extensive media coverage.
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #56 / SHADOWS
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #56 | Website feature and International Press
© Francesco Pace Rizzi
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 03/29/26
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ENDS 03/31/26
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ENDS 03/31/26
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Our 56th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shadows".
ENDS 03/31/26
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ENDS 04/01/26
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ENDS 04/02/26
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ENDS 04/07/26
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ENDS 04/12/26
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ENDS 04/16/26
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Emerging Photographers (under 30 year old ) 2 X $ 5000 grants.
ENDS 04/21/26
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ENDS 04/30/26
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For the tenth year running, the Société des Auteurs des Arts Visuels et de l’Image Fixe (SAIF) is funding the €8,000 prize to encourage the work of a photojournalist committed to long-term projects.
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The 2026 Virginia Prize, worth €10,000, will be awarded to its winner in November 2026.
ENDS 05/13/26
This prize, with a production budget of €25,000, is open to any new photographer or artist using photography, submitting a previously unpublished dummy book.
ENDS 05/17/26
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 05/31/26
This season will feature five main categories, with ‘Family’ serving as the primary theme.
ENDS 06/01/26
The Lenscratch Student Prize has opened up a whole new line of connections, opportunities and exposure.
ENDS 06/03/26
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 06/15/26
Submit your best photographs now and get your chance to be one of the winners awarded in Siena!
ENDS 07/22/26
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.