Photography Contest
LensCulture Critic's Choice 2026
Deadline |
04/22/26Theme |
OpenTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to allEntry Fees |
Free single, $35/5 imagesPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
LensCultureLensCulture Critics’ Choice Awards put the spotlight on the year’s most talented photographers — maximizing visibility and opportunities for those ready to step onto the global stage and enter international markets. This year’s panel of 20 critics includes photography experts and influencers from world-renowned museums, art galleries, magazines, news media, online platforms, book publishers, and international festivals.
Each of the 20 critics will personally select three photographers with outstanding talent and creative vision — so as many as 60 photographers will be recognized with this year’s honors. Top 10 photographers will be featured in a group exhibition in London.
If you enter only one photography competition this year, this is the one to consider — it’s a rare opportunity to have your work seen by 20 of the photography world’s leading experts.
Free for one single image entry.
Top 10 photographers will be exhibited in London
If your work is selected by more than one critic, you have a chance of being named in our Critics’ Choice Top Ten.
The top ten photographers will be exhibited during Photo London 2027, the premiere international photo fair that brings together hundreds of galleries, publishers and collectors, as well as an ambitious program of exhibitions, conversations, artist book signings and curated fair events.
An opening reception will be held for LensCulture artists, invited media, photo editors and industry insiders for a night of art appreciation and networking during the world’s largest international art fair dedicated to photography.
Winning Series Published on LensCulture
Visibility With Industry Insiders & Creative Professionals
Permanent Exhibition in LensCulture Online Gallery
International Press Exposure
All Critics’ Choice Winners
This year, up to 60 photographers will be recognized with Critics’ Choice Awards — each of the critics will choose 3 photographers to be winners. For every winner, we will publish a short quote written by the critic about why they selected that work for this year’s prize.
Critics’ Choice Top Ten
If your work is selected by more than one critic, you have a chance of being named to our Critics’ Choice Top Ten.
The top ten photographers will be featured with prints in the group exhibition in London, and each will receive a $1000 cash grant.
Enter 5+ single images or a series into this competition and you can add a professional written review of your submission for an additional $25. This is a unique opportunity to receive valuable and specific feedback on your work from one of our experienced industry professionals.
Each of the 20 critics will personally select three photographers with outstanding talent and creative vision — so as many as 60 photographers will be recognized with this year’s honors. Top 10 photographers will be featured in a group exhibition in London.
If you enter only one photography competition this year, this is the one to consider — it’s a rare opportunity to have your work seen by 20 of the photography world’s leading experts.
Free for one single image entry.
Top 10 photographers will be exhibited in London
If your work is selected by more than one critic, you have a chance of being named in our Critics’ Choice Top Ten.
The top ten photographers will be exhibited during Photo London 2027, the premiere international photo fair that brings together hundreds of galleries, publishers and collectors, as well as an ambitious program of exhibitions, conversations, artist book signings and curated fair events.
An opening reception will be held for LensCulture artists, invited media, photo editors and industry insiders for a night of art appreciation and networking during the world’s largest international art fair dedicated to photography.
Winning Series Published on LensCulture
Visibility With Industry Insiders & Creative Professionals
Permanent Exhibition in LensCulture Online Gallery
International Press Exposure
All Critics’ Choice Winners
This year, up to 60 photographers will be recognized with Critics’ Choice Awards — each of the critics will choose 3 photographers to be winners. For every winner, we will publish a short quote written by the critic about why they selected that work for this year’s prize.
Critics’ Choice Top Ten
If your work is selected by more than one critic, you have a chance of being named to our Critics’ Choice Top Ten.
The top ten photographers will be featured with prints in the group exhibition in London, and each will receive a $1000 cash grant.
Enter 5+ single images or a series into this competition and you can add a professional written review of your submission for an additional $25. This is a unique opportunity to receive valuable and specific feedback on your work from one of our experienced industry professionals.
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!
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Submit your best photographs now and get your chance to be one of the winners awarded in Siena!
ENDS 07/22/26
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