Photography competitions to enter in 2017

In the saturated world of photography competitions, knowing which ones are worth entering can be a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve hand-picked the cream of the crop for the upcoming year, with all the dates, details and winning insights you need to succeed. 

Whether you shoot animals or architecture, taking part in prestigious competitions gets your work noticed. Preparing photos for judging is also a great way to set yourself a new creative challenge and curate a strong body of work. The requirements are diverse, and there are no shortcuts to success. Heed the advice of the past winners and judges we speak to.

We’ve done our homework to make sure that in all the competitions featured, you retain copyright of your images by entering. So whether you’re looking for industry recognition, or just want to share your passion and perspective with others, discover what’s happening in the next year, and photograph your way to victory!

1. Landscape Photographer of the Year

Starling Vortex: Matthew captured this winning murmuration display in Brighton

Take A View is the ultimate UK landscape competition. Founded in 2006 by genre pro Charlie Waite, it’s the highlight of the competition calendar – but its real beauty is that it attracts entrants from all walks of life and skill levels. The winners reveal a fresh and diverse portrait of the British landscape, from serene seascapes to buzzing cities. Breathtaking scenery can often be found – relatively speaking – on our doorstep. Take time to chase the perfect location and light for your entries.

To keep things nice and simple, there are only four main categories that you can enter work into: Classic View, Living The View, Your View and Urban View. Whether you live in a city or a remote island, or whether you prefer scenes with people, close-up details, abstract frames or traditional landscapes, there’s tons of scope for creativity. The best images will be displayed at the Waterloo train station in London towards the end of the year, and will also appear in a stunning book.

Judge’s comment “Attend to everything. Everything should be either intended, or not intended, to be there. This seeing process remains the cornerstone of all landscape photography.”

Charlie Waite

Winner's tip: Matthew Cattell, 2016

“A winning image needs to be more than a well-executed photograph. Technique has to be combined with that extra element – emotion, dramatic weather, an unusual viewpoint, or a unique moment in time – which invites the viewer to take a closer look.”

Prizes

There’s a total fund of over £20,000 (around $ 24,000), including £10,000 ($ 12,000) for the overall winner, and £1,000 ($ 1,200) and £500 ($ 600) for the first and second places in each category.

More info

Visit: www.take-a-view.co.uk

Opening date: 1st May 2017

Closing date: 14th July 2017

Entry fee: £35 ($ 43) for up to 25 images

2. Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Entwined Lives: Tim Laman won the overall title with his image of a male Bornean orangutan, climbing an emergent tree in its dwindling habitat

Wacky about wildlife? Good news: the world’s most iconic nature competition is opening its doors again – for the 54th year running! As usual, it’s run in association with the Natural History Museum, and you can expect the playing field to be as diverse as ever. In 2016, winners were selected from over 5,000 entries and 95 countries.

The jury is looking for shots that push the artistic and technical boundaries of wildlife photography. Whether it’s an intimate portrait of a creepy crawly or a serene seascape, try to make your entries original. There are 16 specific categories, including Animal Behaviour, Earth’s Environments and the Photojournalist Award. Quality needs to be top-notch, but the contest is inclusive to all.

Why not start with a subject in your local area? Get to know nearby wildlife, revisit often and really learn their habits. Keep an eye on the website for the key dates.

Judge’s comment “A vital story is captured in one frame. We need photography like this to bring stories across to us afresh. It touches our hearts and our minds, and just might help support actions to stop destruction.”

Lewis Blackwell

Winner's tip: Tim Laman, 2016

Patience and subject knowledge are key to success. Field biologist and photographer Tim Laman knew the orangutan would revisit this spot. After three days of climbing up and down, he hid several GoPro cameras in the canopy, triggering them remotely from the forest floor when he saw the orangutan climbing. 

Prizes

The big prize is £10,000 ($ 12,000), plus a trophy and a personalised certificate. Each category has a substantial cash prize, and all shortlisted entrants are invited to a prestigious awards ceremony at the museum.

More info

Visit: www.nhm.ac.uk

Entry Date: October 2017

Closing date: December 2017

Entry fee: £30 ($ 37) for up to 25 images

3. USA Landscape Photographer of the Year

Mount Rainier: Alex’s image was chosen for celebrating the free spirit of the American landscape

The search is on to document America’s most exciting views. The USA Landscape Photographer of the Year awards follow on from the huge success of the UK competition, and were set up by Charlie Waite to celebrate the scenery of the stars and stripes in all its forms. There are five main categories you can enter your shots into: Classic View, My USA, Black & White, Urban, and Environmental Value.  

Photo editing is allowed, but physical changes to the landscape aren’t permitted – so no cloning out trees or fences to make the shot look better! The good news is that you don’t have to live in the USA to enter – only to take the shots on American soil – and the photos you submit to the contest can be up to five years old.

The prize fund is worth over $ 45,000 (£36,000), so check the website for hints and tips, and be sure to enter if you have the chance.

Judge’s comment “We’re looking for well-composed and powerful images from the USA – in the urban and environmental categories as well, not just landscapes.”

Justin Reznick

Winner's tip: Alex Noriega, 2016

“Enter your most unique compositions. Light and conditions are important, but even the best possible image of Tunnel View or Mesa Arch is going to be overlooked by judges who have seen it hundreds of times before. Images that are completely unique to you will stand out.”

Prizes

The grand winner of this year’s contest receives $ 15,000 (£12,000). There’s $ 1,000 (£800) for the best in each adult category.

More info

Visit: www.usalpoty.com

Entry Date: 1st June 2017

Closing date: 1st September 2017

Entry fee: $ 10 (£8) for a single entry, $ 45 (£36) for up to 20 images

4. International Print Competition

Alice: Carolyn’s winning portrait focuses on the complex transition between childhood to young adulthood. The jury felt that it was a clear standout from the start of the judging process

The Royal Photographic Society’s Print exhibition has a long history – it’s been held nearly every year since 1854! For this year’s 160th cycle, the RPS is looking for anyone with an interest in photography to submit their work. Because photographers both rising and professional can enter, the winning mix of images is always an eclectic display. 

This competition is a little bit different, as there’s an emphasis on submitting an exhibition-worthy example of your work. Entries are initially submitted online, and then around 100 prints are selected for the touring exhibition – you’ll only need to submit a print if you’re shortlisted for this stage.

As well as cash prizes for the three top entries, there’s a 12-month mentorship programme to support a photographic project (for the under-30’s Gold award). The major final display tours venues and festivals around the country.

Judge’s comment “It possesses a quietness and elusiveness… There is something behind the girl’s eyes that gives the image its potency. It stayed with me throughout the judging process.”

Gemma Padley

Winner's tip: Carolyn Mendelsohn, 2016

“Choose your best work, and go with your gut instinct. It helps if your work communicates something and goes beyond just being a pretty picture. The final print has to be great, so make sure you follow the guidelines and that it is excellent quality.”

Prizes

The gold, silver and bronze medal winners each receive £1,000 ($ 1,200), £750 ($ 900) and £500 ($ 600) respectively.

More info

Visit: www.rps-international.org/awards

Entry date: February 2017

Closing date: May 2017

Entry fee: The three levels of entry fee are £30, £25 and £15.

5. Sony World Photography Awards

Greetings from Mars: Julien Mauve won the Professional Conceptual category with his series about space exploration, discovery, and our behaviour in front of landscapes

This is one big, international, inclusive photo competition. There are Pro, Open, Student and Youth entry options, and categories ranging from current affairs and contemporary issues to still-life and lifestyle. The Open competition is sorted by nationality, which picks out the best single image taken by a local photographer in over 50 countries. All genres of photojournalism are welcomed, which makes for an interesting mix between fine-art and commercial approaches.

As well as being free to enter, there’s a huge cash gift of $ 25,000 (£20,000) to the photo that’s crowned the best. Winners and finalists also get global exposure of their work – the exhibition starts at London’s Somerset House, and there’s a travelling version that makes its way around the world. If you miss the January 2017 deadlines for the awards, fear not: the 2018 competition will open for entries in June.

Judge’s comment “I want to be blown away by seeing an image that immediately invokes an emotional response.”

Russ O’Connell

Winner's tip: Julien Mauve, 2016

“The content is more important than the form. Reach memories and let people use their imagination in front of a picture. Create a story based on your own personal experience.”

Prizes

The professional award fund is $ 25,000, while the open competition is $ 5,000. There’s also Sony imaging equipment on offer for the winners of each category.

More info

Visit: www.worldphoto.org

Entry date: Open now

Closing date: Youth & Open, 5th January; Professional, 10th January

Entry fee: Free to enter

6. International Garden Photographer of the Year

Tekapo Lupins: Lake Tekapo’s picturesque Lupins helped Richard to win the IGPOTY title. The f/16 aperture he used guaranteed plenty of background-to-foreground detail

Whether you’re into foliage and flowers or simply love the great outdoors, International Garden Photographer is a charming competition to get involved with. If you’re budding to get started, there are eight categories on offer, including Breathing Spaces and Greening the City – you’re bound to find something that suits your style.

There aren’t any restrictions for entry, so you can submit your photos no matter where or when they were taken. As a bonus, all entrants can request feedback on their entries after the judging is completed. 

IGPOTY is run in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom. The exhibition of winners will be held at the gardens themselves, so hundreds of visitors could see your work on display. This goes on to tour the UK and several overseas locations. The portfolio book from the awards is also stunning.

Prizes

Top prize of £7,500 ($ 9,000), plus an array of camera goodies for the other category winners.

More info

Visit: www.igpoty.com

Entry date: 5th February 2017

Closing date: 31st October 2017

Entry fee: £10 ($ 12) for up to four photographs in one category; £25 ($ 30) for a portfolio of six themed images

7. Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year

Polina Plotnikova

Love snapping shots of your dinner? This international contest celebrates all types of food imagery, whether it’s commercial, humanitarian or just mouth-watering. Past winners have captured crop growing and the celebration of eating in festivals and gatherings. With fresh new categories in the line-up this year, cook up your winners soon for the £5,000 ($ 6,100) prize.

More info

Visit: www.pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com

Entry date: Open now

Closing date: 5th February 2017

8. Epson International Pano Awards

Nicholas Roemmelt

Challenge yourself to shoot the best urban and rural panoramic scenes. The categories cover themes of Nature/Landscapes and Built Environment/Architecture. There’s even room for Virtual Reality and 360° images. 2016’s total prize was an impressive $ 25,000 (£20,000), plus a pool of Epson goodies worth over $ 60,000 ($ 48,000). Images must be in a 2:1 or wider ratio.

More info

Visit: www.thepanoawards.com

Entry date: April 2017

Closing date: June 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

9. Travel Photographer of the Year

David Oliete

Journey beyond postcard scenes to win the £4,000 ($ 4,900) prize. Whether you shoot landscapes, food, architecture or people, the organisers say that the competition is about fun and adventure. Previously commended winners have been catapulted into the limelight of the industry – so challenge yourself to get out there and view the world with fresh eyes.

More info

Visit: www.tpoty.com

Entry date: 1st May 2017

Closing date: 1st October 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

10. International Photography Awards

Marinka Masséus

This global contest is great at recognising new (and established) photography talent. The winners in each category – there are nine including Best Photography Book, Nature and People – are invited to a glitzy awards night and awarded cash prizes totalling $ 22,500 (£18,000)! The shortlisted photos will be part of a New York exhibition.

More info

Visit: www.photoawards.com

Entry date: Open Now

Closing date: August 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

11. Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Yu Jun

Search for the most spectacular visions of the cosmos in this free astrophotography contest. The main prize has soared to £10,000 ($ 12,000) and there are nine categories, spanning from Aurorae and Galaxies to People and Space. Why not start by capturing night skyscapes close to home? Check out the previous winners, and you’ll soon be reaching for the stars. 

More info

Visit: www.rmg.co.uk

Entry date: January/February 2017

Closing date: April 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

12. British Wildlife Photography Awards

George Stoyle

Enter photos of your favourite British animals and habitats here. 15 different categories cover the usual suspects like British Seasons, Animal Portraits and Behaviour, and there’s a special section for HD video. Up to 40 images costs £35, but youth entries are free. The overall winner gets £5,000 ($ 6,000), and there are camera prizes on offer for the category victors.

More info

Visit: www.bpawards.prg

Entry date: February 2017

Closing date: April 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

13. The AOP Photography Awards

Kelvin Murray

The Open AOP awards are (as the name suggests) open to everyone. Whether you enter an award-winning video or up to four shots in a photo series, your subject can be completely up to you, as there are no categories or themes to choose between. The final photos are included in the AOP’s Beyond the Lens Festival in London.

More info

Visit: www.the-aop.org

Entry date: March 2017

Closing date: August 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

14. Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize

Elaine Taylor

Portraits can be wide-ranging, but try to tell a story with your photos of people. Submit up to six photos for the chance to win £15,000 ($ 18,000) and display in The National Portrait Gallery, London. You can submit a digital image of your work for the first stage of judging, but will have to deliver a high-quality print if you’re shortlisted for the next round.

More info

Visit: www.npg.org.uk

Entry date: May 2017

Closing date: Summer 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

15. iPhone Photography Awards

Patryk Kuleta

Mobile photography is both fun and powerful, and this international contest celebrates that. Within the 18 categories, images can come from an iPhone, iPad or iPod (you’re even allowed to edit them). There’s no prize fund or exhibition, but entry fees are low – so get ready compete for the IPPA Photographer of the Year title.

More info

Visit: www.ippawards.com

Entry date: Open now

Closing date: 31st March 2017

16. GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Georg Kantioler

Weird and wonderful photos of wildlife succeed in this contest. Combine your love of animals with artistic flair, and choose between sections such as Birds, Mammals and even Landscapes. The jury are looking for dynamic depictions of nature, and any European photographer can enter. €3,000 is awarded to the creative image that most impresses.

Visit: www.gdtfoto.de

Entry date: 15th January 2017

Closing date: 1st march 2017

17. Environment Photographer of the Year

Sara Lindström

Could your images inspire others to take care of the environment? The key in this contest is to show natural, social and economic environmental issues. Think broadly – you might document transport, landscapes or even the weather. Prizes for 2016 included £3,000 ($ 3,600) overall and £500 ($ 600) for the best video. Photos are shown off at the Royal Geographical Society, London. 

More info

Visit: www.ciwem.org/epoty

Entry date: Early 2017

Closing date: April 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)

18. National Geographic Traveller

Simon Morris

Want to be the next big thing in travel photography? The National Geographic Society is searching for talented winners to send on a real-life photographic commission for its Traveller magazine. (Past destinations have included Myanmar and Iceland.) It’s free to enter shots of people, action, and nature, as well as a quick video clip of a travel experience. 

More info

Visit: www.natgeotraveller.co.uk

Entry date: September 2017

Closing date: December 2017

(dates still to be confirmed)


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