Top Photography Contests in 2025 – Everything You Need to Know to Participate
Are you a passionate photographer looking for global recognition, exciting prizes, and a chance to showcase your work to the world? Here’s a handpicked list of the most prestigious photography contests in 2025. For each contest, we’ve included deadlines, entry fees, prize money, number of winners, accepted photo types, whether the contest offers publication or exhibitions, and official website links.
1. Sony World Photography Awards 2025
he Sony World Photography Awards 2025 is one of the world’s most respected and prestigious photography contests, attracting thousands of photographers from over 200 countries. Organized by the World Photography Organisation, this competition offers both seasoned professionals and emerging talents a global platform to showcase their best work. With entry categories for Open, Youth, Student, and Professional participants, the contest welcomes all genres including portrait, landscape, architecture, and more. What makes this award stand out is not just the high-level recognition and exposure it offers — but also the $25,000 cash prize for the Photographer of the Year, along with Sony gear and worldwide exhibitions. Best of all? It’s completely free to enter.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Open – Jan 3 | Professional – Jan 10, 2025
- Entry Fee: Free
- Prize Money: $25,000 for Photographer of the Year + Sony gear
- Winners: Dozens across categories: Open, Youth, Student, Professional
- Photo Type: Any (portrait, nature, architecture, etc.)
- Publication: Book + global exhibition
- Website: worldphoto.org
2. World Press Photo Contest 2025
The World Press Photo Contest 2025 remains one of the most respected platforms in the world for documentary and photojournalistic excellence. Celebrating powerful visual storytelling, this prestigious competition invites photojournalists and documentary photographers to submit compelling work that reflects truth, courage, and impact. With winners recognized regionally and globally, the contest culminates in a high-profile award — the World Press Photo of the Year, which comes with a €5,000 cash prize. Submissions are completely free of charge, making it an open opportunity for professionals and freelancers worldwide. Winning entries are published in a globally distributed yearbook and featured in international exhibitions.
Keynotes
- Results Announced: March 27 (regional) & April 17 (global)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Prize Money: €5,000 for World Press Photo of the Year
- Winners: Dozens across themes and regions
- Photo Type: Documentary, photojournalism
- Publication: Annual book + international exhibition
- Website: worldpressphoto.org
3. Fine Art Photography Awards (FAPA) 2025
Are you a visual storyteller who loves expressing emotion, symbolism, or surrealism through photography? The Fine Art Photography Awards (FAPA) 2025 offers a global stage for both professionals and amateurs to showcase their conceptual, fine art, and abstract photography. With a total cash prize of $5,000, international press exposure, and category-based recognition, FAPA is one of the most respected fine art photography contests in the world. Submissions are open until February 16, 2025, and entry fees range from $20 to $30, depending on the chosen category. Winning entries receive features in global online galleries and creative industry publications — making this competition a perfect opportunity for artists looking to build credibility, visibility, and a powerful portfolio. Learn how to enter and make your mark in the world of creative photography.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Feb 16, 2025
- Entry Fee: $20–$30, depending on category
- Prize Money: $5,000 total
- Winners: Professional and amateur winners across genres
- Photo Type: Conceptual, fine art, abstract
- Publication: Online gallery and press exposure
- Website: fineartphotoawards.com
4. National Geographic Contests 2025
The National Geographic Photography Contests 2025 offer photographers around the world a unique opportunity to showcase their best nature, wildlife, travel, and environmental images. Running multiple contests throughout the year, National Geographic provides both amateur and professional photographers the chance to win prizes up to $10,000, get featured in the legendary National Geographic Magazine, and gain international recognition. Some contests are free to enter, while others require a small submission fee. With powerful themes focused on conservation, culture, and exploration, these contests are ideal for storytellers who use photography to make an impact. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or seasoned visual artist, this is your chance to get published by one of the most iconic names in global media.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Various (throughout 2025)
- Entry Fee: Some free, some with small fee
- Prize Money: Up to $10,000
- Winners: Contest-specific
- Photo Type: Nature, wildlife, travel
- Publication: National Geographic Magazine & online
- Website: nationalgeographic.com
5. Monochrome Photography Awards 2025
The Monochrome Photography Awards 2025 is a premier international competition dedicated exclusively to black and white photography. Open to both amateur and professional photographers, the contest invites powerful monochrome images across various genres — from portrait and architecture to abstract and fine art. With an entry fee between $20–$25 and a top prize of $3,000, the competition offers global exposure through online features, certificates, and media coverage. Submissions are open until November 16, 2025, making this an ideal platform for photographers looking to showcase their artistic vision in shades of light and shadow. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an emerging artist, this contest is your chance to get recognized for your black & white mastery.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Nov 16, 2025
- Entry Fee: $20–$25
- Prize Money: $3,000
- Winners: Top 3 in professional and amateur categories
- Photo Type: Black & white only
- Publication: Online features + certificates
- Website: monochromeawards.com
6. Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2025
The Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2025 is one of the most prestigious global contests for wildlife and nature photography, celebrating powerful images that inspire conservation and environmental awareness. Open to photographers of all skill levels, this competition offers cash prizes of up to $20,000, including a $5,000 Grand Prize, and features winning images in the world-renowned Smithsonian Magazine as well as in international exhibitions. With an entry fee ranging from $30 to $50, it’s a golden opportunity for nature photographers to gain global recognition. Submissions close on April 14, 2025, and accepted categories include wildlife, landscapes, underwater, and conservation storytelling. Whether you’re a professional or a passionate nature enthusiast, this is a must-enter contest for 2025.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Apr 14, 2025
- Entry Fee: $30–$50
- Prize Money: Up to $20,000 (Grand Prize: $5,000)
- Winners: Multiple winners + Youth Photographer
- Photo Type: Wildlife, nature, conservation
- Publication: Smithsonian Magazine + exhibition
- Website: naturesbestawards.com
7. International Photography Awards (IPA) 2025
The International Photography Awards (IPA) 2025 is one of the most respected and inclusive global photo contests, open to both professionals and amateurs across all genres. With an open theme that welcomes architecture, editorial, fine art, nature, advertising, and more, IPA offers creatives a chance to gain worldwide exposure and recognition. The competition features multiple deadlines — including an Early Bird deadline on January 31 and a Final deadline on June 30, 2025 — and has entry fees ranging from $15 to $60, depending on category and level. The prestigious $10,000 prize for Photographer of the Year, along with category-specific awards and inclusion in the official IPA Annual Book, makes this a must-enter contest for serious photographers aiming for international acclaim. Whether you’re building your portfolio or pursuing professional visibility, IPA 2025 is a powerful platform to showcase your vision.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Early Bird – Jan 31 | Final – Jun 30, 2025
- Entry Fee: $15–$60 depending on category
- Prize Money: $10,000 + category awards
- Winners: Many across professional and amateur levels
- Photo Type: Open theme – architecture, editorial, etc.
- Publication: IPA Annual Book
- Website: photoawards.com
8. PhMuseum Photobook Award 2025
The PhMuseum Photobook Award 2025 is a globally recognized competition dedicated to highlighting the best in documentary and visual storytelling in book format. Designed for photographers, designers, and independent publishers, this award focuses on innovative, narrative-driven photobooks that push the boundaries of form and content. With a submission deadline of June 26, 2025, and an entry fee of €35 to €45, participants stand a chance to win €2,000 and a coveted book publication opportunity through PhMuseum and its international distribution partners. The contest honors one Grand Winner along with several Honorable Mentions, offering worldwide visibility, industry recognition, and inclusion in exhibitions and festivals. If you’re working on a compelling long-form photography project ready to take book form, this contest is a perfect chance to have your work published and celebrated globally.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Jun 26, 2025
- Entry Fee: €35–€45
- Prize Money: €2,000 + book publication opportunity
- Winners: 1 Grand Winner + Honorable Mentions
- Photo Type: Documentary/visual storytelling (book format)
- Publication: Distributed by PhMuseum + partners
- Website: phmuseum.com
9. RPS Documentary Photography Awards 2025
The RPS Documentary Photography Awards 2025, hosted by the prestigious Royal Photographic Society (UK), is a leading competition for long-form documentary photographers around the world. This biennial contest celebrates powerful visual storytelling that highlights real-world issues, social change, and human experiences. Open to photographers at all levels, the 2025 edition has a submission deadline of September 1, 2025, with entry fees ranging from £15 to £30. While there is no fixed cash prize, winners and finalists gain significant exposure through publication in the RPS Journal, inclusion in UK-wide exhibitions, and other industry opportunities. Ideal for photographers working on in-depth projects or photo essays, this competition is a gateway to serious recognition within the documentary photography community. If your work explores themes that matter — from migration to climate to identity — the RPS Awards offer the platform it deserves.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Sep 1, 2025
- Entry Fee: £15–£30
- Prize Money: Not fixed (awards + exhibitions)
- Winners: Finalists and overall winners
- Photo Type: Long-form documentary/photo stories
- Publication: RPS Journal + exhibition
- Website: rps.org
10. Close-up Photographer of the Year 2025
The Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) 2025 is a highly regarded international competition that celebrates the hidden beauty of the world through macro and close-up photography. Open to photographers of all skill levels, this contest invites stunning images of insects, textures, nature, abstract forms, and microscopic details. With a submission deadline of July 13, 2025, and an entry fee of £10–£15 per image, the contest offers a top prize of £2,500 along with global recognition. Winners and finalists receive prominent features in CUPOTY’s online gallery, social media platforms, and international press. The competition also showcases a Top 100 selection, providing wide visibility for talented photographers. Whether you’re using a DSLR, smartphone, or microscope, if you love revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary, CUPOTY 2025 is your chance to shine.
Keynotes
- Deadline: Jul 13, 2025
- Entry Fee: £10–£15 per entry
- Prize Money: £2,500 for overall winner
- Winners: Category winners + Top 100 selected
- Photo Type: Macro/close-up photography
- Publication: Online gallery + media mentions
- Website: cupoty.com
11. Xpozer Colorful Photo Contest 2025
- Deadline: Jun 30, 2025
- Entry Fee: Free
- Prize Money: Xpozer print credits + gear
- Winners: Weekly/monthly theme-based winners
- Photo Type: Bright, colorful themes
- Publication: Blog features + social media
- Website: xpozer.com
12. TDM Awards 2025 (Street Photography)
- Deadline: Jul 31, 2025
- Entry Fee: $10 approx.
- Prize Money: $2,000 total
- Winners: 1st, 2nd, 3rd + Finalists
- Photo Type: Street/documentary work
- Publication: Featured in Dead Magazine online
- Website: thedeadmagazine.com
13. Golden Shot Awards 2025
- Deadline: Jul 15, 2025
- Entry Fee: ~$15
- Prize Money: $5,000
- Winners: Open theme – multiple winners
- Photo Type: Any genre
- Publication: Online gallery + interviews
- Website: Search “Golden Shot Awards” (Official website varies)
14. NEXUS International Photography Awards 2025
- Deadline: Jul 29, 2025
- Entry Fee: $10–$20
- Prize Money: $1,000–$3,000
- Winners: Multiple thematic categories
- Photo Type: Thematic: Humanity, Culture, Earth
- Publication: Digital & print exhibition catalogs
- Website: nexusphotoawards.com
15. HIPA – Hamdan International Photography Award 2025 (Dubai)
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Entry Fee: Free
- Prize Money: $450,000+ total | Grand Prize: $200,000
- Winners: Top entries across 4 themes
- Photo Type: Theme 2025 – “Power” + general
- Publication: High-profile exhibition in Dubai
- Website: hipa.ae
Final Tips Before You Enter:
- Read all terms carefully. Some contests require high-res images, captions, or raw files.
- Stick to the theme. The closer your photo aligns with the contest theme, the better your chances.
- Submit early. Don’t wait till the last minute to avoid technical issues.
- Don’t overspend. Participate in both free and paid contests depending on your budget.
Let us know in the comments which contests you plan to join—or if you want personal guidance on submitting your best work!
Best Photography Gear for Contest Participants (With Reviews)
If you’re aiming to participate in photography contests, a good camera is your most important tool. The Canon EOS R, Nikon Z series, and Sony Alpha series are some of the best options in 2025.
- Canon EOS R is perfect for both beginners and advanced users. It delivers excellent image quality, accurate colors, and smooth handling, making it a favorite for portrait and landscape shooters.
- Nikon Z series is famous for its strong low-light performance and sharp optics, making it ideal for documentary, wildlife, and travel photography.
- Sony Alpha (A7 III, A7 IV, etc.) has become a global favorite due to its fast autofocus, incredible sharpness, and versatile features for professionals.
Why it’s worth buying: If you’re new, the Canon EOS R provides great value without overwhelming complexity. For contest-focused professionals, Sony Alpha gives unmatched reliability and international-level results.
A contest-worthy photo is not just about the camera body — lenses decide your perspective.
- Portrait Lens (50mm f/1.8): Known as the “nifty fifty,” it creates stunning background blur and sharp portraits.
- Wide Angle Lens (16–35mm): Ideal for landscapes, cityscapes, and architecture where you need to capture more in one frame.
- Telephoto Lens (70–200mm): A must-have for wildlife and sports, giving you the ability to capture distant subjects with clarity.
Why it’s worth buying: For beginners, a 50mm f/1.8 is affordable and creates competition-level portraits. If you want versatility, combining a wide-angle and a telephoto lens will prepare you for almost any contest theme.
In competitions, stability is key — blurred shots won’t make it to the finals. A good tripod ensures sharp images, especially in low light or long exposure.
- Manfrotto Tripods are sturdy, professional-grade, and built to last. Perfect for serious contest entries in landscape or architectural categories.
- Joby GorillaPod is compact and travel-friendly, great for explorers who want flexible shooting angles. It can wrap around poles, fences, or branches.
Why it’s worth buying: If you travel often, GorillaPod gives you flexibility. But if your goal is to submit competition-quality landscapes or detailed shots, Manfrotto provides unmatched stability.
For contest photographers who travel, a durable camera bag is as important as the gear itself. Waterproof and shockproof bags protect your equipment in all conditions.
- Backpacks with padded compartments keep lenses, cameras, and accessories safe.
- Waterproof designs ensure you can shoot in rain or unpredictable weather.
Why it’s worth buying: A reliable bag doesn’t just carry your gear; it protects your investment. Contest photographers often move between cities or countries, and a travel-friendly backpack makes it stress-free.
Light is everything in photography. For contests, the right lighting can set your photo apart.
- Portable Ring Lights & LED Panels are great for portraits, product shots, and creative projects.
- Flash Kits (Godox, Neewer) are budget-friendly yet powerful tools for professional lighting setups.
Why it’s worth buying: Even if you shoot outdoors, extra light helps highlight details. In contests, lighting can be the difference between an average photo and an award-winning shot.
Sometimes it’s the small accessories that save the day in contests.
- SD Cards (SanDisk Extreme Pro, Lexar): High-speed cards ensure your camera doesn’t slow down during fast action.
- External Hard Drives/SSD: Essential for backing up high-resolution contest entries.
- Lens Cleaning Kits: Dust or smudges can ruin a winning shot.
Why it’s worth buying: These are low-cost but high-impact tools that keep your workflow smooth and your images perfect.
7. Editing Software & Tools
No contest photo is complete without post-processing
When it comes to submitting photos for a competition, relying solely on your camera’s output isn’t enough. Professional photographers know that the true beauty of an image often comes alive through proper post-processing. It doesn’t just enhance the photo—it gives it the edge needed to stand out in a contest.
- Adobe Lightroom Presets Packs: Presets allow you to apply consistent edits across all your images in just a few clicks. This saves time and ensures a professional, uniform look that judges are more likely to notice and appreciate.
- Photo Editing Tablets (like Wacom): Compared to using a mouse, an editing tablet gives you far greater precision and control. Whether it’s retouching skin, dodging and burning, or working on fine details, tablets help you achieve cleaner, more polished results.
Why it’s worth buying: Contest judges look for more than just good composition—they expect well-finished images. Subtle adjustments like color correction, sharpening, or balancing highlights and shadows can dramatically improve the overall look of your photo. With the right editing tools, your final submission will shine and leave a lasting impression on the judges.
Photography isn’t only about clicking the shutter—it’s also about nurturing your vision and creativity. Books can play a huge role here. They don’t just teach technical skills, they also provide the kind of inspiration that helps you see the world differently and capture moments in unique ways.
- “National Geographic Photo Contest Winners”: This book is packed with real examples of award-winning images. Each photograph showcases not only technical mastery but also creativity and storytelling, giving you a clear idea of what judges look for in top-tier competitions.
- “The Art of Photography”: More than just a guide, this book dives into the deeper aspects of photography such as composition, storytelling, and artistic expression. It helps you refine your technique so that your entries are not just technically correct but also emotionally powerful.
Why it’s worth buying: Contest preparation isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s also about building the right mindset. By studying these books, you get an insider’s perspective on what makes a photo truly stand out. Inspiration fuels creativity, and creativity often makes the difference between a good photo and a winning one.
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English (Polished):
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