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Photography competitions are more than just a chance to win prizes, they’re a platform to showcase your talent, gain exposure, and build your portfolio. Whether you’re a professional or a budding enthusiast, entering contests can be a pivotal step in your journey as a photographer.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best photography awards open for entry in 2025
1. Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY)
- Deadline: January 4, 2025
- Entry Cost: Starts at £15
- What It’s About: UPY celebrates the creativity and technical mastery required for underwater photography. From oceans to lakes, rivers, and even flooded mines, this competition attracts photographers who capture the mysterious and vibrant world beneath the surface.
- Why Enter: Besides recognition, cash prizes up to £1,000 are awarded to winners in various categories.
- Who It’s For: Underwater photography enthusiasts, marine biologists, and adventurers.
Enter Here
2. Sony World Photography Awards
- Deadline: January 10, 2025
- Entry Cost: Free
- What It’s About: As one of the most prestigious global photography contests, this award celebrates excellence in various genres, including portraiture, architecture, and landscape. In 2025, it introduces a new “Perspectives” category for narrative-driven series.
- Why Enter: With top prizes of $25,000, Sony equipment, and global exhibition opportunities, this is a career-defining competition.
- Who It’s For: Professionals and hobbyists aiming for worldwide exposure.
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3. Siena International Photo Awards (SIPA)
- Deadline: January 9, 2025
- Entry Cost: €20 for three images, €10 for additional images
- What It’s About: SIPA is a celebration of storytelling through diverse categories like Wildlife, Street Photography, and Journeys & Adventures.
- Why Enter: Winners enjoy cash prizes, exhibitions, and an invitation to the awards ceremony in Siena, Italy. The setting alone is worth the effort!
- Who It’s For: Storytellers with a love for visual narratives.
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4. Aperture Portfolio Prize
- Deadline: January 10, 2025
- Entry Cost: Free with an Aperture magazine subscription
- What It’s About: This contest focuses on innovation in contemporary photography, providing a platform for artists pushing the boundaries of photographic storytelling.
- Why Enter: Winners receive $5,000, an exhibition in New York, and a feature in Aperture magazine, making it a prime opportunity for fine art photographers.
- Who It’s For: Photographers with an eye for artistic trends and contemporary aesthetics.
Enter Here
5. World Press Photo Contest
- Deadline: January 10, 2025
- Entry Cost: Free
- What It’s About: This competition is a platform for photojournalists and documentary photographers to showcase their work on global issues. Past winners have highlighted climate change, social movements, and cultural stories.
- Why Enter: Winners gain global exposure through a traveling exhibition seen by millions and inclusion in a widely distributed yearbook. Prizes include €10,000 and Fujifilm GFX cameras.
- Who It’s For: Storytellers passionate about capturing impactful moments.
Enter Here
6. LensCulture Photography Awards
- Deadline: January 15, 2025
- Entry Cost: Free for one image; $35 for additional entries
- What It’s About: LensCulture celebrates contemporary photography, offering cash prizes and exposure to both emerging and established photographers.
- Why Enter: With $10,000 in cash prizes and international exhibitions, this contest provides substantial rewards for innovative and creative work.
- Who It’s For: Photographers looking for global exposure and editorial recognition.
Enter Here
7. International Photography Awards (IPA)
- Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Entry Cost: $40 (professionals), $30 (amateurs)
- What It’s About: IPA recognizes excellence across diverse categories like advertising, fine art, and editorial photography.
- Why Enter: Top winners receive $12,000 and are celebrated at the prestigious Lucie Awards in New York City.
- Who It’s For: Professionals and ambitious amateurs seeking to elevate their status.
Enter Here
8. World Food Photography Awards
- Deadline: February 9, 2025
- Entry Cost: £35 for five images (free for students and under-18s)
- What It’s About: Formerly the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year, this contest showcases stunning food photography, from still life to action shots.
- Why Enter: Winners gain international recognition, cash prizes of up to £5,000, and widespread media coverage.
- Who It’s For: Food lovers and visual storytellers with a culinary passion.
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9. Drone Photo Awards
- Deadline: June 15, 2025
- Entry Cost: Free
- What It’s About: Part of the Siena Awards initiative, this competition focuses on aerial photography, capturing breathtaking perspectives of the world.
- Why Enter: Winners receive €500 in equipment and international exhibitions.
- Who It’s For: Aerial photographers, drone enthusiasts, and innovators in visual storytelling.
Enter Here
10. CEWE Photo Award
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Entry Cost: Free
- What It’s About: The world’s largest free photography competition with the theme “Our World Is Beautiful,” showcasing diverse photography styles.
- Why Enter: Grand prizes include a €10,000 trip and €5,000 in equipment.
- Who It’s For: Photographers of all levels seeking an inclusive and high-profile contest.
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11. The Spider Awards
- Deadline: January 17, 2025 (early bird), March 28, 2025 (final)
- Entry Cost: $35 (professionals), $30 (amateurs)
- What It’s About: This prestigious competition focuses on the art of black-and-white photography, celebrating timeless artistry and mastery in monochrome.
- Why Enter: Winners gain international recognition, a spot in the Spider Awards Winners Gallery, and exposure within the monochrome community.
- Who It’s For: Professionals and amateurs passionate about black-and-white photography.
Enter Here
12. iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS)
- Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Entry Cost: $5.50 for one image, up to $75.50 for 25 images
- What It’s About: Exclusive to photos taken on iPhones or iPads, this contest showcases the best mobile photography. Categories include Architecture, Nature, and Travel.
- Why Enter: Winners receive unique prizes like gold bars and international recognition through the IPPAWARDS gallery.
- Who It’s For: Mobile photography enthusiasts with an iPhone or iPad.
Enter Here
13. Le Prix de la Photographie de Paris (PX3)
- Deadline: February 12, 2025 (early bird), April 15, 2025 (final)
- Entry Cost: $30 (professionals), $20 (amateurs and students)
- What It’s About: A prestigious European competition, PX3 celebrates a variety of genres, from Fine Art to Nature. It connects photographers worldwide with Paris’s artistic community.
- Why Enter: Winners receive cash prizes up to $5,000 and global recognition.
- Who It’s For: Photographers inspired by European art and culture.
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14. ND Awards
- Deadline: April 27, 2025
- Entry Cost: $25 for single entries, discounts for additional images
- What It’s About: Celebrating innovation in Fine Art, Portrait, and Wildlife photography, this competition encourages creative experimentation.
- Why Enter: Offers $10,000 in cash prizes and a chance for global exposure.
- Who It’s For: Visionaries who want to redefine photographic boundaries.
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15. Fine Art Photography Awards
- Deadline: February 16, 2025
- Entry Cost: $25 (amateurs), $30 (professionals)
- What It’s About: A celebration of artistic excellence, this competition features 20 categories ranging from Abstract to Wildlife.
- Why Enter: Prizes include up to $3,000 and international exposure.
- Who It’s For: Fine art photographers aiming to showcase their creative vision.
Enter Here
16. Chromatic Photography Awards
- Deadline: July 20, 2025 (early bird), October 26, 2025 (final)
- Entry Cost: $25 (amateurs), $35 (professionals)
- What It’s About: This competition highlights color photography across 20 categories, celebrating vibrant and diverse photographic styles.
- Why Enter: Winners receive cash prizes of $2,000 for professionals and $1,000 for amateurs, along with publication in the Chromatic Awards Official Book.
- Who It’s For: Photographers passionate about the power of color.
Enter Here
17. International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY)
- Deadline: February 24, 2025 (Special Award: Beauty of Belton Estate), October 31, 2025 (main competition)
- Entry Cost: Free for up to 8 images (adults)
- What It’s About: IGPOTY celebrates the beauty of gardens, plants, and botanical photography. It’s run in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London.
- Why Enter: Winners gain international exposure, with entries featured in exhibitions and publications.
- Who It’s For: Nature photographers and plant lovers.
Enter Here
Entering photography competitions isn’t just about the prizes or accolades, it’s a chance to challenge yourself, refine your skills, and share your vision with the world. Whether you’re drawn to fine art, wildlife, black-and-white, or mobile photography, these 17 contests offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your talent in 2025. So, mark your calendar, prepare your best work, and let your creativity shine.
Good luck! If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow photographers and let us know which competition you’re most excited about in the comments below.
Richard Barman is a photographer and technology enthusiast with a keen interest in the latest innovations in visual storytelling. When not behind the lens, he writes about the tools, techniques, and trends shaping the creative industries, featuring the works and stories of professionals from around the world.
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