Best Photography Competitions and Awards to Enter in 2026

As someone who has worked within photography, journalism and publishing since 1997 and spent almost two decades building and editing TheAppWhisperer, I am often asked whether photography competitions are worth entering. My answer is usually the same: the right competition can be transformative, while the wrong one can be an expensive disappointment.

Over the years, I have interviewed hundreds of photographers, reviewed portfolios, followed careers as they developed and watched photographers move from relative obscurity to international recognition. In many cases, a respected competition or award provided the breakthrough that helped their work reach a much wider audience.

At the same time, I have seen photographers spend considerable sums entering competitions that offered little more than a certificate and a fleeting moment of exposure.

With that in mind, I have put together this guide to the photography competitions and awards that I believe are genuinely worth considering in 2026. These are the competitions that consistently attract the attention of curators, editors, publishers, galleries and photography organisations around the world and, perhaps more importantly, continue to offer meaningful opportunities for photographers at different stages of their careers.

Sony World Photography Awards

Few photography competitions command as much international attention as the Sony World Photography Awards. Each year the competition attracts entries from photographers across the globe and provides a platform for professionals, students, young photographers and enthusiasts alike.

What I particularly appreciate about these awards is their accessibility. While the standard is exceptionally high, there are opportunities for photographers at many different stages of their careers. The exhibition, publicity and industry recognition associated with being shortlisted can often be just as valuable as winning.

World Press Photo Contest

For documentary photographers and photojournalists, World Press Photo remains one of the most respected awards in the world.

The competition has played an important role in shaping our understanding of major world events for decades. Winning images often become part of the historical record, influencing how future generations remember significant moments in time.

If your work is rooted in storytelling, social issues or documentary practice, this is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious competitions available.

MIRA Mobile Prize

No guide to photography competitions would be complete without mentioning the MIRA Mobile Prize.

As the founder and editor of TheAppWhisperer, and as someone who has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography and mobile art, I have followed MIRA’s development for many years. I have had the privilege of serving on its judging panel across multiple editions and have also travelled to Porto, Portugal, to view the exhibitions and meet members of the team behind the project.

That first-hand experience has given me a unique insight into both the quality of the work submitted and the professionalism with which the competition is organised.

Based in Porto, the MIRA Mobile Prize has established itself as one of the world’s leading competitions dedicated exclusively to photography created on mobile devices. What I particularly admire is its commitment to recognising creativity, visual storytelling and artistic vision rather than focusing on the equipment used to make the image.

Over the years I have reviewed thousands of submissions through my work at TheAppWhisperer and as a MIRA judge, and I can confidently say that the standard of work entered into the competition is consistently exceptional. The exhibitions themselves are thoughtfully curated and demonstrate just how far mobile photography has evolved as an artistic medium.

At a time when conversations about photography are often dominated by technology, MIRA serves as an important reminder that compelling images are ultimately created by photographers, not cameras.

Why I recommend it

• One of the most respected international mobile photography competitions
• First-class exhibitions in Porto
• Strong international participation
• Dedicated exclusively to mobile photography and mobile art
• Consistently high standard of work
• Celebrates creativity, storytelling and artistic vision

International Photography Awards (IPA)

The International Photography Awards continues to attract a diverse range of photographers working across fine art, portraiture, architecture, editorial, nature and commercial photography.

One of the reasons I regularly recommend IPA is the breadth of categories available. Not every photographer fits neatly into a single genre, and the awards recognise the increasingly diverse ways photographers are working today.

Recognition through IPA can provide significant international exposure and remains highly regarded throughout the industry.

Prix Pictet

Prix Pictet is unlike many other photography awards. Its focus on sustainability and global environmental issues encourages photographers to engage with some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

The shortlisted work is consistently thoughtful, ambitious and visually compelling. Even if you never intend to enter, following the award is worthwhile simply to see some of the strongest contemporary photography being produced internationally.

For photographers whose work engages with environmental, political or social themes, Prix Pictet deserves serious consideration.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize

Hosted by the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize remains one of the most respected portrait photography competitions anywhere in the world.

Portrait photography can often appear deceptively simple. In reality, creating a portrait that reveals something meaningful about a subject requires skill, empathy and vision. The work selected for the exhibition consistently demonstrates the very best of contemporary portraiture.

For photographers working in portraiture, there are few competitions with greater prestige.

Hasselblad Masters

The Hasselblad Masters competition has long been associated with photographic excellence.

What many photographers don’t realise is that you do not need to use a Hasselblad camera to enter. The judges are looking at the quality of the work, not the equipment used to create it.

Winning or being shortlisted carries significant professional prestige and can place a photographer alongside some of the most respected practitioners working today.

LensCulture Portrait Awards

LensCulture has established itself as one of the most influential online photography platforms and its Portrait Awards continue to provide valuable opportunities for photographers worldwide.

The competition offers exposure to curators, editors, publishers and gallery professionals who actively engage with the platform. For emerging photographers seeking visibility, that level of industry access can be particularly valuable.

Close-up Photographer of the Year

Macro and close-up photography require patience, technical skill and a remarkable eye for detail.

Every year this competition showcases extraordinary images that reveal hidden worlds often overlooked in everyday life. The quality of work is consistently outstanding and serves as a reminder that compelling photography does not always require travel to distant locations.

For photographers working in nature, wildlife and macro photography, it remains one of the strongest specialist competitions available.

Mobile Photography Awards

Given my long-standing involvement in mobile photography, I would be remiss not to include the Mobile Photography Awards.

Mobile photography has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and the quality of work being produced on smartphones continues to challenge traditional assumptions about photographic equipment and artistic practice.

The awards celebrate innovation, creativity and visual storytelling, regardless of the device used to create the image. For mobile photographers, it remains one of the most important competitions in the field.

Aperture Portfolio Prize

Organised by Aperture, one of the most respected names in contemporary photography publishing, the Aperture Portfolio Prize is aimed at discovering and supporting emerging photographers. Winners receive international exposure and recognition from leading figures within the photography world.

Why I recommend it:

• Highly respected within contemporary photography
• Strong links to publishing and curatorial networks
• Particularly valuable for emerging photographers

Siena International Photo Awards (SIPA)

The Siena International Photo Awards has become one of the world’s leading photography competitions, attracting entries from photographers across more than 150 countries. Categories range from documentary and travel photography to portraiture, nature and fine art.

Why I recommend it:

• Strong international reputation
• Diverse categories
• Major exhibitions and publicity opportunities

International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Landscape photography remains one of the most popular photographic genres and this award consistently showcases some of the finest work being produced worldwide. The annual collection of winning images has become essential viewing for landscape photographers.

Why I recommend it:

• Outstanding international recognition
• Celebrates technical and artistic excellence
• Strong industry profile

Bird Photographer of the Year

Bird Photographer of the Year combines exceptional photography with conservation awareness. The competition attracts professional and amateur photographers alike and regularly features breathtaking wildlife imagery.

Why I recommend it:

• Excellent visibility within wildlife photography
• Supports conservation initiatives
• Highly respected judging panel

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Organised by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, Astronomy Photographer of the Year has become one of the most popular and prestigious specialist photography competitions in the world.

Why I recommend it:

• International prestige
• Prestigious London exhibition
• Exceptional media coverage

Underwater Photographer of the Year

For photographers working beneath the surface, this remains one of the most respected competitions in the field. The winning images frequently highlight both technical excellence and environmental storytelling.

Why I recommend it:

• Highly respected specialist competition
• International recognition
• Strong conservation focus

Monovisions Photography Awards

Dedicated entirely to black-and-white photography, Monovisions has become increasingly popular amongst fine art photographers and photographers working in traditional monochrome styles.

Why I recommend it:

• Dedicated black-and-white competition
• Strong fine art focus
• Excellent international exposure

IPPAWARDS (iPhone Photography Awards)

As the world’s longest-running iPhone photography competition, the IPPAWARDS continues to demonstrate just how far mobile photography has evolved. Given my long-standing commitment to mobile photography through TheAppWhisperer, this is one competition I always enjoy following.

Why I recommend it:

• One of the most respected mobile photography competitions
• Global audience
• Celebrates creativity rather than equipment

World Masters of Photography Awards

The World Masters of Photography Awards continue to attract photographers working across a broad range of genres including portraiture, landscape, street photography, documentary and fine art.

Why I recommend it:

• International judging panel
• Growing reputation
• Wide variety of categories

International Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards

For professional wedding photographers, few competitions carry greater industry recognition. Winning images often receive extensive publicity and can help photographers attract new clients.

Why I recommend it:

• Highly regarded within the wedding industry
• Excellent professional exposure
• Strong commercial value

My Thoughts

Competitions are not the sole measure of a photographer’s success, and they should never become the reason for making work. Some of the most influential photographers in history built remarkable careers without entering competitions, while many award-winning images are quickly forgotten once the headlines fade. What matters most is developing a body of work that is meaningful, consistent and true to your own vision. That said, a well-chosen competition can open doors. It can introduce your work to new audiences, place it in front of influential decision-makers and provide opportunities that might otherwise take years to achieve.

My advice is to be selective. Research the competitions you enter. Read the terms and conditions carefully. Consider the value being offered in return for the entry fee. Most importantly, choose competitions that align naturally with your practice rather than trying to create work specifically to satisfy judges. Photography awards come and go. A strong body of work endures.

The photographers whose work I remember most are rarely those who won the most awards. They are the ones who remained committed to their vision long after the competition results had been announced.

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