We have found the best photography contests. These contests cover free paid exhibitions. Next-level competitions charge an entry fee. They reward giant exposure with serious prizes. We proudly mention our Wildtree camera straps. They are easily crafted for adventurers. Snag your favorite lens and slip on a trusted strap. Get ready to shoot your shot in 18 incredible contests.
These photography contests offer something for everyone. Newcomers can dip their toes into the scene. Pros can look for fresh recognition. We have all the need-to-know details ready. Some contests have closed entries for 2025. They are annual photography events. Start prepping for next year now.
Let’s dive below for a detailed explanation!
1. Women in Photography 2026 International Photography Exhibition
- Date: April 10–20, 2026
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: El Barrio’s Artspace PS109, New York City
Several calls are open for women and nonbinary photographers. The Women Street Photographers Annual Exhibition is in New York City. Finalists display work from April 10 to 20, 2026. Prizes include cash grants from Leica Camera USA. Submissions are made through Picter. The Glasgow Gallery of Photography hosts a women’s exhibition. It is held annually for International Women’s Day.
The exhibition runs from March 5 to 28, 2026. Submissions close on October 31, 2025. The entry fee is free. The Alpha Female Award 2026 champions women photographers. The deadline is January 6, 2026. The V&A Parasol Foundation Prize supports innovative women artists. Women’s Eye is an open call for female perspectives. The deadline is January 8, 2026. The Julia Margaret Cameron Award is for black-and-white photographers. The deadline is July 22, 2026.
2. Xpozer Black and White Photo Contest
Link: Black & White
- Date: November 5, 2025
- Ticket Price: Free
- Location: Online
The Xpozer Black & White Photo Contest concluded this year. The submission deadline was October 31, 2025. Winners were announced on November 5, 2025. Xpozer hosts free themed photo contests frequently. They inspire creative growth and celebrate printed photography. You can check their official website for future competitions. Other black and white contests are open now.
Submissions for B&W Athens Photography 2025 close on December 17, 2025. The open call for “White” by Blank Wall Gallery closes on December 4, 2025. The “Grayscale” Photography Exhibition closed on November 20, 2025. The Grid Photo Gallery contest closed on November 15, 2025. Check the Xpozer photo contest page for updates. Also, check sites like Photo Contest Deadlines easily.
3. Getxophoto Open Call 2026
- Date: November 6, 2026
- Ticket Price: €22 per project submission
- Location: Getxo, Spain
The Getxophoto Open Call for 2026 is currently closed. The deadline was November 6, 2025. The call focused on the theme of “Reset.” This was for the International Image Festival. The festival runs from May 28 to June 21, 2026. The theme invited proposals exploring change and renewal. International artist photographers were eligible. They could submit a photography installation video.
Submissions opened on September 24, 2025. Winners were announced on December 3, 2025. Three winning artists receive prizes. This includes production costs and an artistic fee. They also get accommodation and travel support. The submission fee was €22 per project. Entries were accepted via the Picter platform. The jury selects 12 finalists and 3 winners. They join the festival’s artistic program in Getxo, Spain.
4. 2025 World Street Photo Awards
- Date: November 29, 2025
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Online
The World Street Photo Awards 2025 is still open for entries. The final deadline is fast approaching on November 29, 2025. Winners will be announced on December 14, 2025. All levels of photographers are invited to submit images. They should capture authentic, unscripted moments. Eligibility is open to professional, amateur, and student photographers worldwide.
Prizes include a total pool of €2,000. The winner receives international exposure. They get a feature in the annual photo book. The top prize is the “Photographer of the Year” title. Entries are accepted via the official website. You can submit work across 15 diverse categories. These include Black & White Color. Other opportunities are available later. The Leica Street Photo Contest 2025 is free to enter. The deadline is January 9, 2026.
5. The Slow Archive Open Call
- Date: January 1, 2026
- Ticket Price: Free
- Location: Online
The Slow Archive Open Call accepts submissions now. It is for the 2026 collective archive. It is a platform for contemplative photography. It reflects on the landscape of time and memory. “Landscape” and “contemplation” are central themes. Work focuses on slowing down and observing the world. Accepted categories include landscape, conceptual, and street photography. The call is free to enter.
It is open to photographers from all backgrounds. Selected images will feature in the online collective archive. Full credit is given to the author. The deadline is January 1, 2026. ARCHIVO LAB is an advanced research seminar. Its deadline for applications is December 31, 2025. Hangar has an open call for Belgian photographers. This explores photography’s reinvention easily.
6. Environment 2026 International Photography Exhibition
Link: The Environmental Photography Award – 2026 Edition
- Date: April 15, 2026
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Monaco
The Environmental Photography Award 2026 is a prestigious competition. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation organizes it. It rewards photographers who raise awareness. The focus is on environmental protection and conservation issues. The award includes five themes easily. These are ocean forests in polar regions.
An international jury selects the winners. The Grand Prix winner receives a €5,000 grant. They also get an invitation to Monaco. Category winners receive a €1,000 grant each. The Public Award winner gets a €500 grant. They can also visit the Ecuadorian Amazon. Thirty-six selected photographs will be featured.
They will be part of a touring exhibition. The exhibition launches in Monaco easily. Entries closed on November 2, 2025. Winners will be announced on April 15, 2026. This competition promotes excellent nature photography.
7. Street Photo Festival
- Date: December 12–20, 2025
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Athens School of Fine Arts, Athens, Greece
The Street Photo Festival was held in Athens. It featured an international street photography exhibition. The exhibition was called “Unscripted Moments.”
The submission deadline was October 6, 2025. The festival took place at the Athens School of Fine Arts. Exhibition dates were December 12–20, 2025. Selected photographers became part of the main exhibition easily.
Know More: Museums primarily serve an educational and cultural preservation role. Galleries are typically commercial spaces. They focus on exhibiting and selling contemporary art. Both offer diverse, enriching experiences for visitors. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s largest.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is influential. MoMA New York holds an unparalleled collection. The National Gallery of Art offers free admission. The International Center of Photography (ICP) focuses on photography education.
The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum. The British Museum is dedicated to human history and art. The Tate Modern is a leading art gallery. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands.
8. World Press Photo Contest
- Date: December 1, 2025 – January 17, 2026
- Ticket Price: Free
- Location: Online
The World Press Photo Contest will open for entries soon. Submissions open on December 1, 2025. The deadline is January 17, 2026. Entry is free for all professional photographers. It is open to photojournalism and documentary photography experts. Winners will be announced in March/April 2026. Winners receive an invitation to Amsterdam.
They also get a physical award and a €1,000 grant. The top winner receives an additional €10,000. They also get FUJIFILM GFX cameras. Awarded works are part of a global exhibition. The contest uses a regional model for judging. Categories include Single Stories and Long-Term Projects. Submissions are made through the Picter platform. Entrants must adhere to strict rules.
Know More: “What Have We Done?” is a traveling exhibition. It celebrates the World Press Photo anniversary. It includes a stop in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2025. “Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World” is ongoing now. It is at the National Portrait Gallery in London, UK. Associated events run into early 2026.
“Project a Black Planet” is another exhibition. It opens in Barcelona in November 2025. The Grand Egyptian Museum is opening soon. It is the largest museum dedicated to one civilization. This opening takes place in Giza, Egypt, in November 2025. These are all significant international exhibitions.
9. All About Photo Awards 2025
- Date: December 9, 2025
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Online
The All About Photo Awards 2025 concluded easily. The submission deadline was February 4, 2025. The winners were announced and showcased already. They are featured in the AAP Magazine: Special Edition. The annual awards offer significant recognition. Cash prizes total $5,000. The awards are for winning photographers worldwide. The Annual Awards for 2025 are over now.
All About Photo hosts other ongoing competitions. Submissions for AAP Magazine #54 – Nature is open. The final deadline is December 9, 2025. The issue focuses on nature, wildlife, and flora. “Travels” Photography Contest winners will be announced soon. The submission window for it has closed. You can enter the “Solo Exhibition” Competition. The next deadline is November 21, 2025. Photographer of the Week is an ongoing competition.
Know More: Numerous international photographic awards competitions are open now. These include major free-to-enter options. The Sony World Photography Awards is a leading global competition. Deadlines are in January 2026. The Smithsonian Magazine Annual Photo Contest is free to enter. Its deadline is December 1, 2025. The LensCulture Art Photography Awards recognize innovation easily.
The World Press Photo Contest is prestigious. The Fine Art Photography Awards (FAPA) is dedicated to fine art. The deadline is February 15, 2026. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards are well-regarded. Its deadline is December 4, 2025. The Nikon Small World Competition is free. Photographers can enter wildlife imagery easily. Check specialized directories for comprehensive lists.
10. LensCulture Black and White Photography Awards 2025
- Date: December 17, 2025
- Ticket Price: Free for one image entry
- Location: Online (Exhibition in New York)
The LensCulture Black & White Photography Awards 2025 concluded easily. The final deadline for entries was October 20, 2025. The winners and finalists have already been announced. They are featured on the LensCulture website. LensCulture hosts several other competitions. Some are currently open for submissions. The LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2026 is open now.
It focuses on visionary experimental photographic art. The deadline is December 17, 2025. There is a free entry option for a single image. Prizes include cash awards and publication. Winners get a group exhibition in New York. This competition supports creative photography greatly. You can find more information and submit your work online.
Know More: Key international workshops and conferences are scheduled now. Imaging USA is a hub for education business growth. It runs from January 11–13, 2026, in Nashville, USA. WPPI is a top conference for portrait and wedding photographers. It takes place March 1–5, 2026, in Las Vegas, USA. The Societies of Photographers Convention is Europe’s largest.
It features photo masterclass talks. CP+ is a large trade show in Japan. Magnum Photos offers specialized photo workshops. They focus on street photojournalism. International Photo Workshops specializes in travel landscape photography. Muench Workshops offer all-inclusive intensive training. These large-scale photo conferences offer access to new gear technology.
11. Chromatic Photo Awards 2025
- Date: October (for 2026 competition, expected)
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Online
The Chromatic Photo Awards 2025 concluded easily. The final deadline for entries passed on October 26, 2025. The competition accepted color photographs only. Black and white images were disqualified. Winners will be announced and featured in the online gallery. They will be included in the annual book. Eligibility was open to professional and amateur photographers. The awards featured 20 categories.
These included Abstract Architecture Documentary. The professional winner receives a $2,000 cash award. They get the title of “Chromatic Photographer of the Year.” The amateur winner receives a $1,000 cash award. They get the title of “Chromatic Discovery of the Year.” All winners are featured in the annual book. Check the official website for the 2026 competition.
12. AAP Magazine 53 Travels
- Date: January 1, 2026 (Winners announcement)
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Online
The AAP Magazine #53 “Travels” open call concluded easily. Submissions for the contest closed on November 4, 2025. The judging process is currently underway. Winners will be announced around January 1, 2026. The competition invited photographers to submit travel photography. This included grand landscapes and intimate cultural portraits. First place receives a $500 cash prize.
They also get an exclusive interview publication. Second place gets a $300 cash prize publication. Third place wins a $200 cash prize publication. All winners receive a free printed copy. They get extensive press coverage. They receive a permanent exhibition online. You can view the results online after January 1, 2026.
Know More: Art photography includes legendary contemporary figures. Ansel Adams is famous for landscape photography. Henri Cartier-Bresson pioneered photojournalism easily. Dorothea Lange created powerful documentary photography. Cindy Sherman explores identity and gender through self-portraits. Annie Leibovitz is celebrated for iconic portraits. Andreas Gursky is known for large-format images. Yayoi Kusama is famous for immersive rooms.
Banksy makes powerful social commentary. Shahidul Alam is a prominent photojournalist and social activist. GMB Akash is an award-winning photographer. He founded the First Light Institute of Photography. Amir Hamja was featured in Time’s ‘100 Photos of the Year.’ Kanak Chanpa Chakma is a celebrated painter. She depicts the lives of indigenous people. Hashem Khan is a prominent contemporary artist.
13. Decagon Gallery: "Forgotten Architecture"
- Date: November 15, 2025 (Exhibition launch)
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Online
The Decagon Gallery hosted an international exhibition. The theme was “Forgotten Architecture.” The exhibition took place in November 2025. It focused on structures left behind easily. This included ruins, abandoned buildings, and decayed monuments.
The theme explored memory time entropy. Submissions closed on October 31, 2025. The exhibition launched online on November 15, 2025. Prizes included cash awards and an online solo exhibition.
Know More: International photography contests use online platforms for entry. There are no physical entry locations easily. Winning works are often displayed globally. Exhibition locations are major museums and galleries. London, UK, is a major hub for photo exhibitions. The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition is held at Somerset House. The World Press Photo Exhibition was hosted in London. Paris, France, hosts the annual Paris Photo art fair.
Berlin, Germany, displayed Sony winners. Bologna, Italy, hosted exhibitions for Eyeshot. New York City, USA, museums display winning works. The International Center of Photography (ICP) is located at 84 Ludlow Street. Dhaka, Bangladesh, will host the World Press Photo exhibition. Dubai, UAE, is home to the HIPA awards. The impact is felt through physical exhibitions in cultural hubs worldwide.
14. Praxis Gallery
- Date: November 30, 2025 (for “Landscapes” and “The Abstract Image”)
- Ticket Price: $35 (for 5 images)
- Location: Praxis Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Praxis Gallery is a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It hosts regular juried photography exhibitions. This offers opportunities for international artists. The current theme is “Landscapes.” The submission deadline is November 30, 2025. The exhibition runs from January 17 to February 14, 2026. “The Abstract Image” deadline is December 14, 2025. All photographers worldwide are eligible.
All genres of black and white images are welcome. The entry fee is typically $35.00 USD. This covers a set of five images easily. Selected images are exhibited in the physical gallery. They are also featured in an online gallery. Winners receive free entries into future calls. They also get a complimentary exhibit book. Artists retain all copyrights to their images. You can find more information and submit your work online.
Know More: Key organizations run prominent photography contests. The World Photography Organisation (WPO) runs the Sony World Photography Awards. The World Press Photo Foundation is a nonprofit organization. It runs the influential World Press Photo Contest. The Lucie Foundation is a US-based nonprofit. It drives the International Photography Awards (IPA). The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) runs competitions.
UNESCO promotes cultural understanding through photography. Smithsonian Magazine organizes an annual photo contest. Major photo brands like Nikon and Canon host contests. LensCulture is a major online publisher platform. It hosts various awards easily. These entities support the educational advancement of photography.
15. Gallery Ring: "Land, Water & Sky"
- Date: July 17, 2025 (submission deadline)
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Online
The Gallery Ring “Land, Water & Sky” contest has closed. It is a recurring annual opportunity easily. The submission deadline was Thursday, July 17, 2025. The theme focused on landscapes, seascapes, and pictures of the sky. Eligibility was open to 2D artwork. This included photography and digital work. Multiple awards were available. They included Best in Show Diamond Awards.
Top winners were featured in an online gallery. Gallery Ring runs other themed contests. You can check their website for future announcements. A Festive Season Show and Draw is a current opportunity. It is a complimentary open-subject competition. One artwork is selected each day in December 2025.
Know More: Planning to visit international photography contests needs tracking dates. It involves securing travel logistics early. You must manage a detailed itinerary easily. Exhibition dates vary globally. Physical exhibitions tour several cities. Book travel accommodation early. Prices can rise sharply during opening weeks. Create a detailed itinerary to maximize your time.
The Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition is a London fixture. It is located at Somerset House. 2026 Dates are April 17 to May 4, 2026. Plan your visit early. You should reserve tickets and nearby accommodation. The exhibition generally has an admission fee.
16. Praxis Gallery: "The Shadow Aspect"
- Date: August 16–September 13, 2025
- Ticket Price: Not specified
- Location: Praxis Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Praxis Gallery exhibition “The Shadow Aspect” concluded. The open call for entries finished. The submission deadline was July 1, 2025. The exhibition ran from August 16 to September 13, 2025. It was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The theme explored the implications of the shadow aspect.
This included formal conceptual metaphoric meanings. Other Praxis Gallery open calls are current. “Landscapes” has a deadline of November 30, 2025. “The Abstract Image” deadline is December 14, 2025. You can view opportunities and submit your work online easily.
Know More: Contests feature diverse themes. They range from global issues to abstract art. Winning photo techniques prioritize excellence and strong storytelling. Common themes include social humanitarian issues. Nature and wildlife imagery is important. Lifestyle portraiture aims for authentic emotion. Abstract fine art welcomes innovative techniques. Architecture and urban life reward creative angles.
Judges look for originality, technical quality, and emotional impact. Storytelling emotions are memorable. Unique perspectives make subjects seem fresh. Technical excellence is a basic requirement. Strong composition is vital always. Strategic post-processing is permitted within limits. Authenticity ethics are especially strict. These elements shape image-based art photo content creation.
17. PULPO Gallery Open Call Solo Show
- Date: 2026 (expected)
- Ticket Price: Free
- Location: PULPO Gallery, Murnau, Germany
The PULPO Gallery Open Call for 2026 is not currently active. The gallery recently concluded its 2025 Open Call. The call typically runs annually for the following year’s show. The submission period for 2025 ended on November 30, 2024. The winner for the 2025 show is already selected. Submissions are free of charge generally. The gallery accepts 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art.
NFTs are also accepted easily. The winner receives an all-expenses-paid solo show. This show is at the PULPO Gallery in Murnau, Germany. Artworks at the show are for sale. The split is 50/50 artist/gallery. The call for the 2026/2027 show is expected in 2026. Check the PULPO Gallery website for announcements. Follow the gallery’s Instagram account for updates easily.
18. Rotterdam Photo
Link: Rotterdam Photo 2026
- Date: March 24–28, 2026
- Ticket Price: €29–€35
- Location: Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands
Rotterdam Photo is an annual photography fair. It offers independent photographers an opportunity. They can exhibit their work easily. The setting is often a distinctive container village. The event coincides with Art Rotterdam. The next edition takes place in March 2026. Festival dates are scheduled for March 24–28, 2026. The theme is “Echoes of Silence—War in the Artist’s Soul.”
The general open call deadline was December 1, 2025. Selected photographers receive dedicated exhibition space. They get networking opportunities to sell their work. The call is open to international professional and amateur photographers. Submission fees were tiered. A Dutch Talent Project grant closed on November 1, 2025. Past themes included “Shared/Connected” and “Imagine.” Monitor the official website for future announcements.
FAQs
What are the top photography exhibitions to participate in in 2025 in the USA?
Several prestigious exhibitions are open for entry. The Sony World Photography Awards is a major contest. The Smithsonian Magazine contest offers good exposure. The Aperture Portfolio Prize is highly regarded.
Which photography exhibitions in Europe are a must?
Must-see exhibitions include major European festivals. These are the Les Rencontres d’Arles Copenhagen Photo Festival. The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition is in London. Paris Photo at the Grand Palais is a major art fair.
Are there any free photography exhibitions to participate in in 2025?
Yes, several prestigious exhibitions are free. The Sony World Photography Awards is totally free to enter. The World Press Photo Contest is also free. Smithsonian Magazine hosts a free annual contest.
Where can photographers enter free photography contests in 2025?
Photographers can enter major free contests. These include the Sony World Photography Awards and Smithsonian Magazine. The Leica Street Photo Contest is free to enter. The World Press Photo Contest is open to professionals.
Final Thought
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