Whether you’re an experienced photographer, a beginner or just someone who likes to capture moments, submitting your work to a photography contest is one of the best ways to gain exposure and exposure.
Entering competitions isn’t just about winning – although prizes and publicity are great bonuses! It’s also a chance to dip into your archives, find your best images and improve your style. Even if you don’t make the shortlist, the experience itself is rewarding and can push your photography to the next level.
In fact, many artists say that competitions were the stepping stone that helped them build a name, grow their audience or produce their first big role. And with many calls open to all genres – from astronomy and macro, to wildlife, travel, food, portrait, or photography – there’s something for everyone.
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The best part is that most contests offer multiple categories, so you’re likely to find the perfect match for your job. To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of photography competitions with open calls accepting entries from April to July 2026. It’s a small selection to spark inspiration, but there are plenty more out there…
UN World Oceans Day Photo Contest
End date: April 6th
Open to: Photographers of all levels agree and follow the 2020 code of conduct for underwater photography – conservation rules will be strictly enforced.
Payment: It is free to enter
Groups: Connecting Oceans, Large and small underwater surfaces, underwater areas, above oceans.
Note: The winning and final entries will be publicly displayed on all contest websites, media and information materials related to subsequent contests. Winning photos are published for exhibitions around the world
For more information, visit the United Nations World Photo Day website.
FMoPA International Photography Competition 2026
End date: April 22nd
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Payment: $10 per image
Groups: People/Portrait, Landscape/Landscape, Nature/Science/Animals, Documentary/Photojournalism, Still Life, Visual Evidence, and Concept Art
Rewards: Generally Winner accepts $1,000 cash prize and consideration for a one-person exhibition, Group Winners receive at least $100 worth of goods and services, a Group exhibition at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and more.
For more information, visit the FMoPA website.
Nikon’s Small World Competitions
Small World Photomicrography Competition &
Small World in Motion Video Contest
End date: April 30th
Open to: Photographers and videographers of all levels
Payment: It is free to enter
Title: Microscopy and microscopic photography
Rewards: From £3,000 for 1st place to $200 for Honorable Mention, depending on the specific competition.
For more information, visit the Nikon Small World website.
Jalón Ángel Photography Awards 2026
End date: May 4th
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Payment: It is free to enter
Groups: Image, Travel, Migration and Borders
Rewards: Group winners receive €1,500 each
For more information, visit Jalon Angel’s website.
Virginia Prize 2026
End date: May 7th
Open to: Women photographers of all levels
Payment: Free
Title: Free title, a series of 12-18 photos is required
Rewards: The overall winner receives a cash prize of €10,000
For more information, visit the Prix Virginia website.
MonoVisions Photography Awards
End date: May 17th
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Payment: First: single image $20, series $25 Last: single image $25, series $30
Pay attention: Black and white photography
Groups: Abstract, Architecture, Conceptual, Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature and Wildlife, Spy, People, Photojournalism, Portrait, Street Photography, Travel.
Rewards: Black and White Series of the Year will receive $3,000, Black and White Photo of the Year will receive $2,000.
For more information, visit the MonoVision Awards website.
HIPA 2026 (The Richest Photography Award)
End date: May 31st
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Payment: It is free to enter
Groups: Families, Fantasy with AI, Sports Graphics, Portfolio (Storytelling), Abstract (Black % White & Color)
Rewards: Grand Prize: $200,000, Group Prizes: 1st: $40,000, 2nd: $30,000, 3rd: $20,000, Portfolio Prize: 1st $50,000, 2nd: $40,000, 3rd: $30,000 Photo Prize, $08 Picture Prize, $008 Special Prize: $50,000, Recognition Award $100,000
For more information, visit the HIPA website.
photoED magazine
End date: June 15th
Open to: Photographers of all levels, worldwide excluded: Citizens of Russia, Republic of Belarus and authorized countries (ie Cuba, North Korea…)
Payment: Free to enter community members (publication subscription, Patreon patronage), general offers CAN$20
Theme: Home VS Away, “The best photography projects that offer the idea of HOME, the experience of AWAY, or a combination of the two”
Edition: Issue #76 of photoED magazine
For more information, click here.
Epson International Pano Awards
End date: Early bird: June 22, Last: July 13
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Awards: Rare, Open and VR/360
Payment: Depending on the Awards category, $20-$22 per image
Groups: Amateur Awards and Open Awards: Nature / Landscape, Space, Built Environment. VR/360 Awards: Open VR/360
Rewards: TBA (last year’s prize pool was $50,000, including a $15,000 bonus)
For more information, visit the Pano Awards website.
Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
End date: June 30th
Open to: Photographers of all levels
Payment: It is free to enter
Groups: Animals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects, Fish and Other Aquatic Species, Nikon Young Photographer (25 years and under), Nikon Junior (16 years and under), Portfolio, Nikon Video, Photo People’s Choice.
Rewards: Nikon cameras and lenses for Nikon-sponsored categories – entrants stand a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Maasai Mara, Kenya, hosted by the amazing Serian Alex Walker, as well as a beautiful handmade trophy. All category winners will also receive a premium camera bag courtesy of ThinkTANK, and a professionally designed website from Amazing Internet.
For more information, visit the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards website.
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For even more inspiration, check out the best photography awards and contests.
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