In the ever-evolving world of photography, the year 2026 promises a plethora of exciting opportunities for photographers of all levels. The upcoming months are brimming with competitions that offer not just recognition and prizes, but also a chance to refine your style and build a name for yourself in the industry. Here's a curated list of some of the most intriguing photography competitions with open calls, accepting submissions from May until December 2026. These competitions cater to a wide range of genres and themes, ensuring there's something for every photographer.
Irys / Leica Competition
Deadline: May 24
Theme: Portrait
Prize: Leica Q3 43mm
This competition is a dream come true for portrait photographers. The Irys / Leica competition offers a free entry for Premium subscribers, providing an opportunity to showcase your portraiture skills. The grand prize of a Leica Q3 43mm camera is a photographer's dream, allowing you to capture the essence of your subjects with unparalleled clarity and detail.
HIPA 2026 (Richest Photography Award)
Deadline: May 31
Categories: Families, Dreams Through AI, Sports Photography, Portfolio (Story-telling), General (B&W + Color)
Prizes: Grand Prize: $200,000, Category Prizes: $40,000-$20,000, Portfolio Prize: $50,000-$30,000, Photographer of the Year: $80,000, Content Creator Award: $50,000, Appreciation Award: $100,000
The HIPA 2026 competition is a goldmine for photographers seeking substantial recognition. With a grand prize pool of $200,000, this competition offers a chance to make a significant impact in the photography world. The diverse categories cater to various styles, from family photography to the innovative use of AI in storytelling.
photoED Magazine
Deadline: June 15
Theme: Home VS Away
Publication: Issue #76 of photoED magazine
Fee: Free for members, general submissions CAN$20
This competition invites photographers to explore the themes of 'Home' and 'Away' through fine art photography projects. The photoED magazine open call is a great opportunity to showcase your unique perspective on these contrasting concepts, offering a chance for your work to be featured in the prestigious magazine.
Epson International Pano Awards
Deadlines: Early bird: June 22, Final: July 13
Categories: Amateur, Open, VR/360
Fees: Varies by category, $20-$22 per image
The Epson International Pano Awards celebrate the art of panoramic photography. With a focus on nature, landscapes, and the built environment, this competition is ideal for photographers who specialize in wide-angle and immersive imagery. The prize pool, last year exceeding $50,000, is a testament to the competition's prestige.
Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
Deadline: June 30
Categories: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects, Fish and other Aquatic Species, Nikon Young Photographer, Nikon Junior, Portfolio, Nikon Video, Photo People's Choice
Prizes: Nikon gear, ThinkTANK camera bags, safari experiences
Nikon's Comedy Wildlife Awards are a celebration of the lighter side of photography. This competition encourages photographers to capture the playful and amusing moments in the animal kingdom. The prizes include Nikon gear and even a chance to win a safari experience, making it a truly rewarding opportunity.
Le Prix de la Photographie de Paris (PX3)
Deadline: July 22
Categories: Advertising, Analog, Architecture, Book, Fine Art, Nature, Portraiture, Press
Fees: €30 for single images, €50 for series (professionals), €20 for single images, €40 for series (amateurs and students)
Le Prix de la Photographie de Paris, or PX3, is a prestigious international photography competition. With a focus on diverse genres, including advertising and fine art, this competition offers a global platform for photographers. The cash prizes, exhibitions, and publication opportunities make it a highly sought-after event.
The Illume Awards
Deadline: July 31
Categories: Sports, Adventure, Aerial, Bike, Climb, Skate, Snow, Surf, Trail, Close-Up, Emerging, Innovation, Lifestyle, Masterpiece, Playground, RAW, Spirit
Prizes: Leica cameras, Angelbird storage gear, global exhibition tour, photobook feature
The Illume Awards are a celebration of the best in sports and adventure photography. With a wide range of categories, this competition caters to various specialties. The prizes include Leica cameras and a global exhibition tour, making it an excellent opportunity to gain international exposure.
Brian Black Memorial Award
Deadline: August 30
Categories: Adult photo competition, Article competition, Junior photo competition
Prizes: £3,000 prize pool, camera equipment, publication, interview
The Brian Black Memorial Award is a UK-based competition with a focus on the 'Inspiring Seas.' It offers a range of categories, including adult and junior photo competitions, as well as an article competition. The prizes include cash, camera equipment, and publication opportunities, making it a valuable addition to any photographer's portfolio.
Botanical Photographer of the Year
Deadline: September 30
Categories: Intrepid, Inquisitive, Inclusive, Open, Young Botanical Photographer of the Year
This competition is dedicated to the beauty of Britain and Ireland's wild plants. With a focus on various categories, including close-up shots and people interacting with plants, it provides an opportunity to showcase the intricate details of the natural world. The prizes are yet to be announced, but the competition's prestige is undeniable.
OPPO Photography Awards
Deadline: December 31
Categories: Me, Journey, Video, Zoom, Live, Snap
Prizes: $76,500 prize pool across 38 awards
The OPPO Photography Awards are a celebration of creativity, open to photographers and videographers using OPPO, OnePlus, or realme devices. The 'Super Every Moment' theme encourages unique storytelling, with a substantial prize pool of $76,500. This competition is a great way to gain recognition and showcase your skills in a competitive environment.
In conclusion, the year 2026 offers a myriad of photography competitions, each with its unique charm and opportunities. From prestigious international events to niche genre-specific competitions, photographers have a wealth of choices to gain exposure, refine their style, and connect with a global audience. These competitions not only provide a platform for recognition but also serve as a stepping stone for photographers to build their careers and make a lasting impact in the world of photography.
