Photo CompetitionsThe journal

Enter with insight.

Ideas, advice and a closer look at the world of photography competitions. For the decisions that deserve a little more thought.

Field notes / 1 May 2026

New Photography Competitions This Month — May 2026

May 2026 brings a fresh batch of photography competitions to our database, from underwater awards to portrait prizes and documentary grants.

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Field notes / 30 Apr 2026

International Photography Competitions You Can Enter from Anywhere

The best photography competitions open to photographers worldwide — no residency requirements, no regional restrictions. Enter from any country.

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Field notes / 25 Apr 2026

Photography Competitions for Beginners — Where to Start

New to photography competitions? Here's a practical guide to the best beginner-friendly competitions, what to expect, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

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Field notes / 20 Apr 2026

How to Write a Photography Competition Artist Statement

A practical guide to writing artist statements for photography competition entries — what judges look for, common mistakes, and examples that work.

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Field notes / 15 Apr 2026

Best Portrait Photography Competitions to Enter in 2026

A curated guide to the top portrait photography competitions worldwide, from prestigious gallery prizes to specialist awards for wedding, headshot, and self-portrait work.

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Field notes / 1 Apr 2026

New Photography Competitions This Month — April 2026

Fresh photography competitions added to our database in April 2026, including street photography awards, environmental contests, and more.

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Field notes / 25 Mar 2026

Best Street Photography Competitions in 2026

Street photography thrives in competition. These contests celebrate candid moments, urban life, and the decisive instant that defines the genre.

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Field notes / 20 Mar 2026

Best Landscape Photography Competitions to Enter in 2026

From epic vistas to intimate details, these landscape photography competitions offer serious prizes and global recognition for photographers who love the outdoors.

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Field notes / 15 Mar 2026

Best Wildlife Photography Competitions 2026

Our curated guide to the top wildlife photography competitions open in 2026, from prestigious international awards to emerging contests worth your attention.

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Field notes / 10 Mar 2026

How to Avoid Rights Grabs in Photography Competitions

Many photography competitions include clauses that sign away your image rights. Here's how to spot them, what they mean, and which competitions to avoid.

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Field notes / 5 Mar 2026

Best Underwater Photography Competitions in 2026

Dive into the world's top underwater photography competitions, from macro marine life to wide-angle reef scenes and ocean conservation imagery.

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Field notes / 1 Mar 2026

Free Photography Competitions Worth Entering

The best photography competitions don't always cost money. Here are free-to-enter contests with genuine prizes, fair rights terms, and real prestige.

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Field notes / 28 Feb 2026

Mobile Photography Competitions: A Complete Guide for 2026

Phone cameras are competition-ready. Here are the best mobile photography contests and tips for making your smartphone images stand out to judges.

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Field notes / 20 Feb 2026

Tips for Competition Photography: What Judges Actually Look For

Practical advice from competition judges and past winners on how to select, prepare, and present your strongest images for photography contests.

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Field notes / 15 Feb 2026

Documentary and Photojournalism Competitions Worth Entering

From the World Press Photo to emerging grants, these documentary photography competitions reward powerful storytelling and social impact.

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Field notes / 10 Feb 2026

Nature Photography Competitions: Where to Enter Your Best Work

From garden close-ups to environmental portraits of ecosystems, nature photography competitions reward patience, knowledge, and a deep connection to the natural world.

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Field notes / 5 Feb 2026

Architecture Photography Competitions to Enter in 2026

From modernist skyscrapers to ancient ruins, architecture photography competitions reward photographers who see buildings as more than structures.

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Field notes / 25 Jan 2026

Food Photography Competitions: A Tasteful Guide for 2026

Food photography is booming, and competitions are keeping pace. Here are the best contests for photographers who make meals look irresistible.

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Field notes / 20 Jan 2026

Travel Photography Competitions That Reward Exploration

The best travel photography competitions reward cultural curiosity, authentic encounters, and images that transport viewers to places they've never been.

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Field notes / 15 Jan 2026

Fine Art Photography Competitions for Serious Artists

Fine art photography competitions bridge the gap between photography and contemporary art. These contests reward conceptual depth, creative vision, and artistic intent.

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Field notes / 10 Jan 2026

How to Budget for Photography Competition Entry Fees

Entry fees add up fast. Here's how to create a competition budget that maximises your chances without breaking the bank.

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Field notes / 5 Jan 2026

Understanding Photography Competition Categories: Where Does Your Work Fit?

Choosing the right category can be the difference between a win and an early elimination. Here's how to navigate the category landscape in photography competitions.

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