Our May 2026 roundup highlights the latest competitions added to our database. As always, every listing has been vetted for fair rights terms and genuine value to photographers.
Newly Added Competitions
Amazonia Underwater Photography Awards
A specialist competition focused on freshwater and river ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on the Amazon basin. Categories include wide-angle, macro, and conservation storytelling. The organisers partner with conservation groups working to protect Amazonian waterways.
Entry fee: Free. Deadline: November 2026. Rights: Photographer retains copyright. Images used for conservation awareness with credit.
World Portrait Awards
Now in its growing second year, this competition celebrates portraiture in all its forms — from environmental portraits to studio work, street portraits to self-portraits. A strong judging panel and good exhibition opportunities make this worth watching.
Entry fee: Moderate. Deadline: September 2026. Rights: Good. Standard promotional licence, photographer retains copyright.
Climate Photography Award
A timely competition seeking images that document climate change — its causes, effects, and the people working to address it. Previous editions have produced powerful bodies of work that reached mainstream media. Free to enter.
Entry fee: Free. Deadline: August 2026. Rights: Excellent. Photographer retains full copyright.
Patagonia Photography Awards
A regional competition with international reach, celebrating the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Patagonia. Categories include landscape, wildlife, adventure, and cultural heritage. Winners receive expedition prizes in addition to cash awards.
Entry fee: Moderate. Deadline: October 2026. Rights: Good. Photographer retains copyright with promotional licence.
Competitions Closing Soon
Don't miss these deadlines in May and early June:
- Alexia Foundation Grant: Closing mid-April — one of the most prestigious documentary photography grants available. Free to enter.
- Aftermath Project Grant: Closing end of April. Supports long-term documentary projects.
- Angkor Photo Festival Awards: Closing June 1st. Focused on Asian photography and emerging talent.
What We're Watching
- Several competitions are updating their rights terms for 2026 following community feedback — we'll update our listings and rights ratings as changes are confirmed.
- New mobile photography competitions are appearing across Southeast Asia, reflecting the growing smartphone photography scene in the region.
Stay updated by bookmarking our homepage or signing up for our newsletter for weekly deadline alerts.