Photography competitions are an excellent way for photographers to showcase their work, gain exposure, and connect with other photographers and industry professionals. With so many competitions available, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth entering. In this article, I will take a look at the top 10 photography competitions that offer great opportunities for photographers to showcase their skills and gain recognition for their work. 

Before we look at the awards themselves, let's consider... 

What do you need for an outstanding photography award submission? 

To make a successful submission to a photography competition, there are several key elements to consider: 

• Technical proficiency: The photograph should be technically proficient, with proper composition, lighting, focus, and exposure. The photograph should also be free of any technical flaws such as noise or distortion. 

• Originality: The photograph should be original and creative, showing a fresh perspective or approach to the subject matter. Avoid clichéd or overused subjects, and aim to capture something that stands out from the crowd. 

• Emotional impact: The photograph should have a strong emotional impact, whether it's through subject matter, composition, or the use of light and shadow. The photograph should evoke a feeling or emotion in the viewer, whether it's joy, sadness, awe, or something else. 

• Conceptual coherence: The photograph should have a clear and coherent concept or theme, which is evident in the subject matter, composition, and overall message of the photograph. 

• Storytelling: The photograph should tell a story or convey a message. It should be able to stand alone as a single image, but also be part of a larger narrative or series of images. 

• Attention to detail: Pay attention to the small details, such as lighting, colour, and composition, as these can make a big difference in the overall impact of the photograph. 

• Adherence to the competition guidelines: Make sure to read and follow the guidelines and rules of the competition, including image format, size, and any restrictions on editing or manipulation of the image. 

By considering these elements and carefully crafting your submission, you can increase your chances of making an impression and standing out in a crowded field of entries. 

Now, let's look at the competitions themselves: 

Sony World Photography Awards 

The Sony World Photography Awards are one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world. It was established in 2007 and is open to both professional and amateur photographers. The competition is free to enter and has several categories, including Professional, Open, Student, and Youth. 

The Professional competition is for established photographers, and entrants must submit a series of photographs that tell a story or convey a message. The Open competition is for photographers of all skill levels and has categories such as Architecture, Landscape, and Street Photography. The Student and Youth competitions are specifically for students and photographers under the age of 19, respectively. 

Winners of the Sony World Photography Awards receive a cash prize, as well as Sony camera equipment. Additionally, their work is showcased in a global exhibition that travels to major cities around the world. The competition has a panel of judges composed of industry experts and renowned photographers, and the winners are announced at an annual ceremony in London. 

The Sony World Photography Awards are an excellent opportunity for photographers to gain exposure and recognition for their work. It also provides a platform for emerging photographers to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable experience. 

Learn more about the Sony World Photography Awards on their website here.

National Geographic Photo Contest 

The National Geographic Photo Contest is an annual photography competition organised by National Geographic, a world-renowned organisation dedicated to exploring and protecting our planet. The contest seeks to find the best photographs that capture the spirit of exploration and adventure, as well as the natural beauty and diversity of our world. 

The National Geographic Photo Contest is open to photographers of all levels, including amateurs, professionals, and students. There are several categories, including Nature, People, and Places. Entrants can submit up to 10 photographs for consideration, and the competition is free to enter. 

Winners of the National Geographic Photo Contest receive a cash prize, and their work is featured in National Geographic magazine and on the National Geographic website. The competition also provides a platform for photographers to showcase their work to a global audience and connect with industry professionals. 

The National Geographic Photo Contest is an ideal opportunity for photographers to gain exposure and recognition for their work. It also provides a platform for photographers to explore and capture the natural and cultural diversity of our world. This will help raise awareness of the importance of protecting our planet's natural resources. 

In addition to the annual photo contest, National Geographic also offers workshops and photo expeditions led by professional photographers. These workshops and expeditions can provide valuable learning and networking opportunities for aspiring photographers. 

Learn more about the National Geographic Photo Contest on their website here.

International Photography Awards (IPA)  

The International Photography Awards (IPA) is an annual photography competition that recognises outstanding photographers from around the world. The competition is open to both professional and amateur photographers, and has several categories, including Fine Art, Nature, Architecture, and more. 

The IPA has a panel of judges composed of industry experts and renowned photographers, who evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. Winners of the competition receive a cash prize, and their work is showcased in an annual exhibition and published in the IPA's annual book of photography. 

The competition is open to photographers from all countries, and the entry fee varies depending on the category and the number of images submitted. The IPA also offers scholarships and grants to support the work of emerging photographers, as well as educational programs and workshops led by industry professionals. 

The International Photography Awards is an outstanding opportunity for photographers to gain recognition and exposure for their work. In addition, it allows them to connect with industry professionals and other photographers from around the world. It also provides a platform for photographers to explore and push the boundaries of their creativity and technical skills. This will enable them to showcase the beauty and diversity of our world through photography. 

Learn more about the International Photography Awards (IPA) on their website here.

World Press Photo Contest 

The World Press Photo Contest is an annual photography competition that recognises the best photojournalism from around the world. The competition is open to professional photographers, photojournalists, and documentary photographers who have captured key events, issues, and stories from the past year. 

The World Press Photo Contest has several categories, including Spot News, General News, Contemporary Issues, Sports, and more. The competition also has a special category for long-term projects, which recognises photographers who have covered a story or issue over an extended period of time. 

The judging panel for the World Press Photo Contest is composed of leading photojournalists and photo editors from around the world. The winning photographs are exhibited in a traveling exhibition that visits more than 100 cities in over 45 countries, reaching millions of people worldwide. 

The World Press Photo Contest is not only a platform for recognising excellence in photojournalism, but also serves as a catalyst for discussion and engagement on significant issues facing our world today. It provides a space for photographers to capture and share their perspectives on global events and social issues, and to raise awareness about topics that might otherwise remain unnoticed. 

Winning the World Press Photo Contest is a significant achievement for photojournalists. This is because it not only recognises their work but also helps to raise awareness of the issues they have documented. Additionally, the competition provides a platform for photographers to connect with editors, publishers, and other industry professionals, which can lead to future career opportunities. 

Learn more about the World Press Photo Contest on their website here.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year  

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is an annual photography competition organised by the Natural History Museum in London. The competition is open to photographers of all ages and skill levels, and seeks to recognise and celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. 

The competition has several categories, including Animal Portraits, Urban Wildlife, Black and White, and more. The judging panel is composed of leading wildlife photographers and experts in the field of natural history, who evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. 

Winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition receive a cash prize. Their work is showcased in an annual exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London (one of London’s best museums and a personal favourite of mine), as well as in a traveling exhibition that visits cities around the world. The competition also produces a portfolio of the winning images, which is published as a book and distributed worldwide. 

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition not only recognises excellence in wildlife photography but also serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving our natural environment. The competition provides a platform for photographers to share their images and stories, and to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world. 

For photographers who are passionate about wildlife and nature, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for their work. In addition, they can connect with other photographers and industry professionals. It also provides a platform to promote environmental conservation and awareness, which is crucial in today's world. 

Learn more about the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition on their website here.

Travel Photographer of the Year 

The Travel Photographer of the Year is an annual photography competition that celebrates the beauty and diversity of travel photography from around the world. The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels, and has several categories, including People, Wildlife, Landscape, and more. 

The judging panel for the Travel Photographer of the Year competition is composed of leading travel photographers and industry experts. They evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. Winners of the competition receive a cash prize and their work is showcased in an annual exhibition, as well as in a portfolio book and online gallery. 

The competition provides a platform for photographers to showcase their unique perspective on the world, and to capture and share the essence of different cultures, landscapes, and experiences. It also provides an opportunity to connect with other photographers and industry professionals, and to gain exposure and recognition for their work. 

The Travel Photographer of the Year competition not only recognises excellence in travel photography but also helps to promote cross-cultural understanding and awareness. Through the power of photography, the competition encourages people to explore and appreciate the world's diverse cultures and natural wonders, and to promote sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices. 

For photographers who are passionate about travel and culture, the Travel Photographer of the Year competition is an ideal opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for their work. In addition, they can connect with other photographers and industry professionals. It also provides a platform to promote cross-cultural understanding and responsible travel practices, which is crucial in today's world. 

Learn more about the Travel Photographer of the Year competition on their website here.

LensCulture Exposure Awards 

The LensCulture Exposure Awards are an annual photography competition that seeks to showcase and recognise the best emerging and established photographers from around the world. The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels, and has several categories, including Fine Art, Street Photography, Documentary, and more. 

The judging panel for the LensCulture Exposure Awards is composed of leading photographers, curators, and editors in the photography industry. They evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. Winners of the competition will receive a cash prize, as well as exposure on LensCulture's online platform and other promotional opportunities. 

The LensCulture Exposure Awards provide a platform for photographers to gain exposure and recognition for their work, as well as connect with other photographers and industry professionals. It also provides an opportunity to showcase and share their unique perspectives on the world. In addition, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue around photography and its role in contemporary culture. 

One of the unique features of the LensCulture Exposure Awards is its focus on emerging photographers. The competition provides a space for new and emerging talent to showcase their work and gain exposure, which can lead to future career opportunities and artistic growth. The competition also provides an opportunity for established photographers to gain visibility and recognition for their work. 

The LensCulture Exposure Awards are a great opportunity for photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds to showcase their work, gain exposure, and connect with other photographers and industry professionals. The competition is also a great platform for promoting the ongoing dialogue around photography and its role in contemporary culture. 

Learn more about the LensCulture Exposure Awards on their website here.

Smithsonian Photo Contest 

The Smithsonian Photo Contest is an annual photography competition that is organised by the Smithsonian magazine, which is published by the Smithsonian Institution. The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels, and seeks to recognise and celebrate the beauty and diversity of the world through photography. 

The Smithsonian Photo Contest has several categories, including Natural World, Travel, People, Americana, and more. The judging panel is composed of leading photographers, editors, and experts in the field of photography, who evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. 

Winners of the Smithsonian Photo Contest receive a cash prize. In addition, their work is showcased in the Smithsonian magazine, as well as on the Smithsonian's website and social media channels. The competition also produces an annual book that showcases the winning images and provides insight into the creative process behind them. 

The Smithsonian Photo Contest provides a platform for photographers to showcase their unique perspective on the world. This allows them to capture and share the essence of different cultures, landscapes, and experiences. It also provides an opportunity to connect with other photographers and industry professionals, and to gain exposure and recognition for their work. 

The competition also serves as a powerful tool for promoting awareness of key social and environmental issues. Many of the winning images in the Smithsonian Photo Contest deal with themes such as conservation, climate change, social justice, and more. This helps to raise awareness and promote positive change. 

For photographers who are passionate about capturing the beauty and diversity of the world, the Smithsonian Photo Contest is a great opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for their work, as well as connect with other photographers and industry professionals. It also provides a platform to promote social and environmental awareness, which is crucial in today's world. 

Learn more about the Smithsonian Photo Contest on their website here.

Magnum Photography Awards 

The Magnum Photography Awards is an annual photography competition that is organised by the Magnum Photos agency, one of the world's most prestigious photo agencies. The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels, and seeks to recognise and celebrate the finest in contemporary photography from around the world. 

The Magnum Photography Awards have several categories, including Documentary, Portrait, Street Photography, Fine Art, and more. The judging panel is composed of leading photographers, curators, and editors in the photography industry, who evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. 

Winners of the Magnum Photography Awards receive a cash prize, as well as exposure through Magnum's online platform and other promotional opportunities. The competition also produces an annual book that showcases the winning images and provides insight into the creative process behind them. 

The Magnum Photography Awards provide a platform for photographers to showcase their unique perspective on the world. This allows them to capture and share the essence of different cultures, landscapes, and experiences. It also provides an opportunity to connect with other photographers and industry professionals, and to gain exposure and recognition for their work. 

One of the unique features of the Magnum Photography Awards is its association with Magnum Photos, which has a long and storied history in the field of documentary photography. The competition provides a space for photographers to explore and engage with the documentary tradition, while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary photography. 

The Magnum Photography Awards are an excellent opportunity for photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds to showcase their work. This will help them gain exposure, and connect with other photographers and industry professionals. The competition is also an excellent platform for promoting the ongoing dialogue around photography and its role in contemporary culture. 

Learn more about the Magnum Photography Awards on their website here.

Monochrome Awards 

The Monochrome Awards is an annual photography competition that focuses exclusively on black and white photography. The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels, and seeks to celebrate the beauty and power of monochromatic imagery. 

The Monochrome Awards have several categories, including Abstract, Architecture, Fine Art, Landscape, Portrait, and more. The judging panel is composed of leading photographers, editors, and experts in the field of black and white photography. They evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. 

Winners of the Monochrome Awards receive a cash prize, as well as exposure through the competition's online platform and other promotional opportunities. The competition also produces an annual book that showcases the winning images and provides insight into the creative process behind them. 

The Monochrome Awards provide a platform for photographers to explore and experiment with the unique aesthetic qualities of black and white photography. By removing color from the equation, photographers are challenged to focus on other elements such as composition, texture, and contrast, which can lead to powerful and compelling imagery. 

The competition also provides an opportunity for photographers to connect with other black and white photography enthusiasts, and to gain exposure and recognition for their work. For those interested in pursuing a career in photography, the Monochrome Awards can be a valuable stepping stone. They provide exposure and networking opportunities that can help launch a successful career. 

The Monochrome Awards are an excellent opportunity for photographers who are passionate about black and white photography. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase their work, gain exposure, and connect with other photographers and industry professionals. The competition celebrates the unique beauty and power of monochromatic imagery, and provides a space for photographers to explore and experiment with this timeless art form. 

Learn more about the Monochrome Awards on their website here.

List of photography awards - conclusion 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an up-and-coming talent, photography competitions provide a valuable platform for photographers to showcase their work, gain exposure, and connect with others in the industry. By submitting your work to these top competitions, you'll have the chance to compete against some of the leading photographers in the world. In addition, you'll potentially gain recognition that can help launch your career. So why not give it a try? With a bit of skill, creativity, and perseverance, you could be the next big name in photography.