The best Photography Competitions to participate in 2024 [Updated]

In the dynamic world of photography, competitions serve as more than contests; they're gateways to global recognition and artistic growth. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, these platforms provide an opportunity to showcase your skills and connect with a vibrant community of other talented photographers.

Explore our curated list of prestigious photography competitions that are touchstones in the visual arts. It is organized by deadline dates and will be regularly updated, so bookmark the link to stay informed about the latest contests.

And one more thing: Act swiftly, as some entries are closing soon! Here we go.

Note: Since several contests have already closed their entries, please click the link below to view current competitions that are still open for entry:

See the Competitions of 2024 with open entries

1. Sony World Photography Awards 

Organized by the World Photography Organisation, the Sony World Photography Awards, now in its 17th year, are a key event in the global photographic scene. As a free-to-enter platform, it offers insights into contemporary photography and premier opportunities for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work globally.

Entry fees: up to three single images for free

Categories: Architecture, Culture, Creative, Motion, Landscape, Natural World & Wildlife, Portraiture, Still Life, Street Photography, and Travel

Prize: $5,000, Sony digital imaging equipment, certificate, global press exposure, etc.

Deadline: Jan. 5th, 2024

2. Aperture Portfolio Prize 2024

The Aperture Portfolio Prize aims to identify trends in modern photography, showcasing and elevating deserving artists. To select winners, Aperture's editorial team seeks innovative, less widely showcased bodies of work. Exclusive to Aperture magazine print subscribers, the prize offers a platform for emerging talent.

Entry fees:  To enter the Portfolio Prize, you only need to be a subscriber to Aperture magazine in print

Categories: Portfolio

Prize: The top winner will have their work featured in Aperture magazine, participate in a New York City exhibition organized by Aperture and receive a $3,000 cash prize, along with a $1,000 gift card for gear from mpb.com

Deadline: Jan. 5th, 2024

3. Siena International Photo Awards 2024 

The Awards celebrate and promote the art of photography by showcasing a diverse range of images from photographers worldwide. SIPA stands out as one of the most widely participated-in international photo contests.

Entry fees:  free to enter for one image, 3 images (including the free one) - € 20, each additional image - € 10. In the category Story-Telling - € 35, Videos - € 35

Categories: Journeys & Adventures, Fascinating faces and characters, The beauty of nature, Animals in their Environment, Sports in Actions, Sory-Telling, Documentary & Photojournalism, Street Photography, Underwater Life, Short Documentary Film

Prize: up to €1.500,00 worth of photography equipment and other prizes

Deadline: Jan. 9th, 2024

4. World Press Photo Awards

The annual  World Press Photo Awards photography competition acknowledges photographers for their outstanding single-exposure images that contribute to the visual journalism of the past year.

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Singles, Stories, Long-Term Projects, Open Format

Prize: €1,000 for each of the 24 regional winners and an additional €5,000 for the four global winners 

Deadline: Jan. 11th, 2024

5. Istanbul Photo Awards 2024 

In its tenth year, the Istanbul Photo Awards seek to acknowledge and endorse the commitment of press photographers. Open to both staff photographers and a significant contingent of freelance journalists, the competition is exclusive to professionals. Entrants can submit photos capturing events that made global headlines in 2023.

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Single News, Story News, Single Sports, Story Sports, Single Nature & Environment, Story Nature & Environment, Single Portrait, Story Portrait, Single Daily Life, Story Daily Life

Prize: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd category winners receive 3,000 USD, 1,500 USD, and 1,000 USD respectively. The Single News 1st prize winner will be nominated as the 'Photo of the Year,' and the laureate receives 6,000 USD in total

Deadline: Jan. 15th 2024

6. 2024 Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 

The Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year competition welcomes participants of all backgrounds, both professional and non-professional, regardless of age. This awards program recognizes and honors excellence in food photography and film on a global scale.

Entry fees: The competition entry fee is £35.00 per adult entrant, allowing up to 5 photographic entries. Additional entries may be submitted at an extra fee of £7 per entry. Entry to the Young (under 18) and Student Food Photographer of the Year categories is free of charge, with a maximum of five entries allowed in each category.

Categories: MPB Award for Innovation, unearthed® Food for Sale, Pink Lady® Moments of Joy to On the Phone, Tenderstem® Bring Home the Harvest, the Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers, The Hotel Art Group Cream of the Crop. Additionally, there are MPB Food Film Shorts and Food Stylist categories.

Prize:  The top prize is £5,000 GBP, and category winners receive up to £1,500 GBP along with other benefits.

Deadline: Feb. 2nd, 2024

7. Fine Art Photography Awards 2023-2024 

The Fine Art Photography Awards is a global competition that acknowledges excellence in Fine Art Photography. It is inclusive, accepting entries from amateurs and professionals worldwide, irrespective of their country of origin.

Entry fees: Single entry - 20 USD, Series - 25 USD for Amateurs, Single entry - 25 USD, Series - 30 USD for Professionals

Categories: Abstract, Architecture, Conceptual, Experimental, Fashion, Fine Art, Landscape, Nature, Night Photography, Nudes, Open Theme, Panoramic
People, Photojournalism, Photomanipulation, Portrait, Seascape, Street, Photography, Travel, Wildlife / Animals

Prize: Grand Prize Winner will receive $2000 as an Amateur and $3000 as a Professional

Deadline: Feb. 11th, 2024

8. Earth Photo 2024

Earth Photo, established in 2018, is a prestigious international program dedicated to showcasing still and moving imagery that addresses pressing climate and environmental issues. It invites submissions across all genres from photographers and filmmakers of all ages, aiming to reveal narratives about our planet, its people, and its ecosystems. The program seeks work that challenges perspectives, captures the beauty and fragility of nature, and explores the impacts of climate change on landscapes and communities. 

Entry fees: £15 for up to 10 images

Categories:  Earth Photo 2024, Climate of Change,  Forest Ecosystem, Moving Image,  We the Forest, David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Award – Film, David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Award – Photo, Sidney Nolan Trust Residency Prize

Prize:  up to £1000 cash prize, exhibition and other benefits

Deadline: Feb. 22nd, 2024

9. Belfast Photo Festival: Open Submission 2024

The international Belfast Photo Festival's Open Submission is back with even more opportunities. Described as one of the world's best photography festivals by Capture Magazine, it offers a prime platform for exposure to a global audience, with past editions attracting over 150,000 visitors. Artists and photographers can showcase their work in the main Festival gallery alongside renowned figures in the field. Selected pieces will also tour to the 2024 Photo Schweiz in Zurich and may be featured in the arts magazine Abridged.

Entry fees:  €29 per project (up to 15 images)

Categories: Photographs, Photo-Books

Prize:  £2,000, exhibition and other benefits

Deadline: Feb. 23rd, 2024

10. Excellence in Multimedia Award

The Multimedia Award acknowledges exceptional storytellers worldwide who utilize lens-based media to craft narrative-driven projects. It is open to various mediums such as video, new media, photography, photojournalism, installations, and web-based works, among others.

Entry fees: $35 for members, $45 for non-members

Categories: Open Theme

Prize:  Exhibition

Deadline: Feb. 25th, 2024

11. Moments Collective 

Photographers, both amateur and professional, aged 18 and above, can participate. Chosen photos will be exhibited at the Annual Collective Moments exhibition at Hellenic American Union in Greece, Athens (Massalias 22, Galleries John Kennedy and Chatzykiriakos Gikas), for a three-week duration. Selected images will also be featured in the Moments Collective Annual Magazine..

Entry fees: free to enter, photographers can submit up to 4 entries

Categories: Open Theme

Prize: Opportunity to showcase your artwork and other benefits

Deadline: Feb. 28th, 2024

12. The Independent Photographer - 2024 Visual Storytelling Award

Entry fees: 1 image - $15, 3 images -$30, 6 images - $40

Categories: Portrait, Street, Documentary, Landscape and others

Prize:  $2000 cash prize, international exhibition and other prizes

Deadline: Feb. 29th, 2024

13. Prix Picto de la Mode 2024

The Picto Fashion Photography Award is a prestigious recognition for emerging fashion photographers under 35 y.o. worldwide since 1998. Sponsored by Leica, it awards three prizes annually: The Picto Fashion Photography Award, the le19M Métiers d’Art Photography grant, and the Filippo Roversi grant. Winners collaborate with esteemed partners and gain access to the Palais Galliera in Paris for the award ceremony.

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Open Theme

Prize:  Exhibition and many other prizes

Deadline: March 17th, 2024

14. Kuala Lumpur Photographic Portrait Prize 2024

The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) is an annual worldwide portrait photography competition, aiming to attract top-quality and innovative submissions from photographers at any skill level. Established in 2009, KLPA holds a prominent position in the photography community, particularly in Southeast Asia, as an essential platform that encourages and acknowledges contemporary portraiture.

Entry fees: 1 image - $15.00, 2 images - $30.00, 3 - 5 images - $50.00, 6 - 10 images - $75.00; up to 5 images are free to enter for students under 25 y.o.

Categories: MAKE IT REAL: Staged Narratives in Portraiture

Prize:  1st Prize: $2,000, 2nd Prize: $1,000, 3rd Prize: $500, the top 3 entries receive $250 each, and the top 5 participate in the print exhibition with the main category.

Deadline: March 31th, 2024

15. iPhone Photography Awards 

The iPhone Photography Awards, or IPPAWARDS, is an annual competition that celebrates the creativity and artistry of photographers using iPhones and iOS devices to capture remarkable images. The competition has been running since 2007 and has gained international recognition.

Entry fees: 1 image - $5.50, 3 images - $12.50, 5 images - $18.50, 10 images - $37.50, 15 images - $55.50, 20 images - $67.00, 25 images - $75.50. There are no limits on the number of entries; however, it is recommended to submit your best ones.

Categories: Abstract, Animals, Architecture, Children, Citylife/Cityscape, Landscape, Lifestyle, Nature, People, Portrait, Series (3 images), Still Life, Travel, Other

Prize: will be announced later

Deadline: March 31th, 2024

16. Drone Photo Awards 2024

The Drone Awards, a part of the Siena Awards project, is a prestigious global competition dedicated to aerial photography and video, distinct from traditional photography. It welcomes submissions from various aerial platforms, attracting participants from over 100 countries. The judging panel, comprising renowned photographers and industry experts, evaluates entries based on innovation and creativity. 

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Wedding, Nature, People, Urban, Animals, Abstract, Sport, Videos, Series

Prize:  € 500,00 worth of photography equipment for the Drone Photographer of the Year and other prizes

Deadline: April 1st, 2024

17. Comedy Pet Photography Awards

The competition aims to raise awareness of animal welfare and highlight the positive impact pets have on our lives. Through photography and videos, it celebrates the joy, humor, and love our pets bring, showcasing their funny expressions, antics, and playful behavior for the world to enjoy.

Entry fees: £1.95 for a single entry, £5 for 5 entries, £10 for 15 entries; free to enter for junior photographers under 16 y.o.

Categories: Dog: Our Best Friends, Cat: Our Fabulous Feline Friends, The Mighty Horse, All Other Creatures Great and Small, Pets who look like their owners, Junior (max 10 entries per entrant)

Prize: The overall winner will receive a cash prize of £500, trophy and other prizes

Deadline: April 14th, 2024

18. Earth.Org Global Photography Competition 

The Earth.Org Team emphasizes the transformative influence of photography in inspiring, educating, and mobilizing action for the protection and preservation of our planet. The Climate Crisis Photography Competition 2023 attracted over 500 skilled photographers from 60+ countries. Their collective passion for the environment is evident in their work, revealing Earth's natural beauty, documenting its transformation, and showcasing the consequences of human activities.

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Wildlife in Peril, Climate Action, Overall Winner

Prize: up to US $500 and other benefits

Deadline: April 26th, 2024

19. Viviane Esders Prize 2024

This prize annually honors the career of a European photographer above the age of 60 y.o., who embodies a continual pursuit of creative innovation. A distinguished panel of judges will annually nominate five candidates, among whom one will be selected as the recipient. The award celebrates a distinguished career already acknowledged but deserving of further recognition and a prominent place in photographic history.

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Open Theme

Prize:  The prize will grant the winner an extraordinary monetary sum of €50,000 provided by Viviane Esders, while each of the two finalists will receive €5,000

Deadline: April 29th, 2024

20. The Nikon International Small World Prize

The Nikon Small World Prize is a prestigious competition centered on still photomicrography, where participants capture images through microscopes. It's open to individuals above 18 years old, excluding employees of Nikon and competing companies. Entries are judged by a panel of experts in imaging, science, and scientific communication.

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Photomicrography

Prize: 1st Prize - USD 3,000, 2nd Prize - USD 2,000, 3rd Prize - USD $1,000

Deadline: April 30th, 2024

21. Prix Virginia 2024

The Prix Virginia serves as a platform to advocate for the acknowledgment of female photographers. Established in 2012, this biennial award is the premier photography prize exclusively designated for a woman photographer, regardless of her age or citizenship. Submissions must consist of previously unexhibited work in France and should not be commissioned for editorial or advertising purposes. 

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Open Theme

Prize: The winner will be awarded a monetary prize of € 10,000, alongside the opportunity for an exhibit in Paris and the publication of a book featuring their photographs and those of the 10 finalists.

Deadline: May 7th, 2024

22. Le Prix de la Photographie de Paris (PX3) 2024

The Prix de la Photographie, Paris (PX3), aims to foster photography appreciation, unearth emerging talent, and connect photographers globally with the artistic community in Paris.

Entry fees: For professional photographers: $30 for each photograph entered (single image), $50 for each series (2-8 images with a unifying theme) or book, 20% off per additional category if the same entry is submitted to multiple categories. For non-professional and student photographers: $20 per photograph entered (single image), $40 for each series (2-8 images with a unifying theme) or book, and 20% off per additional category if the same entry is submitted to multiple categories.

Categories: Advertising, Book, Fine Art, Nature, Portraiture, Press /Editorial, Architecture, Special and their respective subcategories

Prize: Professional photographers compete for the top award – the title of 'PX3 Photographer of the Year' and a $5,000 cash prize. Non-professional photographers compete for the PX3 Best New Talent Award and a $2,000 cash prize. First Place Category Winners (Professionals) receive a $500 cash prize, while First Place Category Winners (Non-Professionals and Students) receive a $250 cash prize

Deadline: Early Bird Deadline (10%): January 14th, 2024; Extended Early Bird Deadline (5%): February 12th, 2024; Regular Deadline: May 6th, 2024

23. AOP Photography Awards 2024

The AOP Awards, organized by the Association of Photographers, recognize and support photographers of all levels. Widely recognized as the 'Oscars' of photography, they showcase both established and emerging talent. Winners gain exposure to top industry figures and opportunities for recognition. Entries can include stills, moving images, and innovative work across categories.

Entry fees: Early Bird – 29 January 2024 – 4 March 2024: Single – £25.00, Moving –£25.00, Series – £42.00, Project – £62.50

Regular Entry – 5 March 2024 – 5 May 2024: Single – £30.00, Moving – £30.00, Series – £50.00, Project – £75.00

Final Week Pricing – Mon 6 May 2024 – Mon 13 May 2024: Single – £50.00, Moving- £50.00, Series – £70.00, Project – £95.00

Categories: Documentary, Environment, Fashion + Beauty, Food + Drink, Lifestyle, Portrait, Spaces, Sport, Still life + Object; Project, Best in Show Commissioned; Best in Show Personal

Prize: Exhibition and other benefits

Deadline: May 13th, 2024

24. MonoVisions Photo Awards 

MonoVisions aims to identify exceptional monochrome photographers globally and provide them with opportunities for recognition and rewards. The annual competition is inclusive, welcoming participants of various backgrounds and skill levels, from professionals to amateurs. The competition accepts all forms of black and white photography, whether produced through traditional or digital methods.

Entry fees: Series - 25$, Single - 20$ before the early deadline; Series - 30$, Single - 25$ before the final deadline

Categories: Black and White Photo of the Year, Black and White Series of the Year

Prize: $2,000 and $3,000 award for winners in respective categories

Deadline: Jan. 21th, 2024 (early deadline), May 19th, 2024 (final deadline)

25. Creative Photo Awards 

The Creative Photo Awards contest seeks to recognize photographers who possess profound sensitivity and a desire to convey emotions through images, offering a distinctive perspective on the world around them. It is in pursuit of photographs that emanate from a genuine passion for storytelling.

Entry fees: 1 image is free to enter, 3 images (including the free one) - € 20, each additional image - € 10, Series (5 to 9 images) - € 35

Categories: Animals/Pets,  Advertising, Architecture, People, Fine Art, Wedding,  Open Theme, Nature & Landscape

Prize: € 500,00 worth of photography equipment for the main winner and other benefits

Deadline: June 15th, 2023

26. Black and White Photo Awards 2024

TNCJ Media Solutions presents the 2024 Black and White Photo Awards, inviting photographers worldwide, both professional and amateur, to participate. This competition aims to acknowledge and honor talent in black-and-white photography across five thematic categories, providing a platform for photographers to showcase their creativity.

Entry fees: €15 

Categories: Architecture, Street, Portrait, Fauna and Flora, Landscapes

Prize: up to €1000 cash prize for the absolute winner, Winning images published in AAP Magazine #38, extensive press coverage 

Deadline: June 15th, 2024

27. IPA Photography Competition 2024 

The International Photography Awards (IPA) aims to honor the world's top photographers, support emerging talent, and foster appreciation for photography. Their annual competition welcomes submissions from professional, amateur, and student photographers worldwide, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive photo contests in the industry.

Entry fees:                           Professionals    Non-Professionals    Students
Single image                 $40                      $30                               $20
Series (2-9 images)    $65                      $55                               $35
Additional categories  20% off               20% off                         20% off

Early Bird: February 13, 2023 (10% discount)
Extended Early Bird: March 13, 2023 (5% discount)
Regular: Jun 15, 2023
Extended: July 13, 2023

Categories: Advertising, Analog/Film, Architecture, Book, Editorial/Press, Event, Fine Art, Nature, People, Special, Sports and their subcategories

Prize: $12,000 'Photographer of the Year' and a $6,000 'Discovery of the Year' cash prize

Deadline: July 13th, 2024

28. reFocus Awards - 2024 Black & White Photo Contest

The reFocus Awards - Black & White Photo Contest returns this year to honor the enduring charm of monochrome photography. Open to individuals aged 18 and above, the contest invites submissions of both single images and series. Renowned photographers, curators, directors, and industry experts form the judging panel, selected for their esteemed roles in the photography community worldwide.

Entry fees: Professional: Single Image - $30, Series - $50; Non-Professional: Single Image - $25, Series - $40; 5% reward, 50% discount on additional categories. Special student discounts.

Categories: Abstract, Aerial, Architecture, Conceptual, Domestic Animals, Event, Fashion & Beauty, Film/Analog, Fine Art, Landscapes, Minimalism, Nature, People, Photojournalism, Portrait, Still Life, Street, Travel, Wildlife

Prize: Over $4,000 in cash prizes, global exposure, artist profile, winner's gallery feature, custom press release, interview, and more.

Deadline: July 23rd, 2024

29. Rebecca Vassie Memorial Award 

The Rebecca Vassie Memorial Award is a bursary presented every two years, supporting emerging photographers in the United Kingdom.

Entry fees: free to enter

Categories: Open Theme

Prize: The awards comprise a cash bursary of £2,000, plus £500 worth of credit at Metro Imaging and mentorship

Deadline: will be announced later

We also suggest you take a look at our blog post "25 Exciting Photography Trends for Inspiration in 2024" to keep up with the latest trends and remain competitive in photography contests.

Keep in mind that engaging in contests offers exposure and recognition, yet concurrently heightens the risk of potential photo theft. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about various facets of photography copyright and remain up-to-date on strategies to safeguard your creative work.

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