In fact, many photographers say competitions were the stepping stone that helped them build a name, grow their audience or land their first big feature. And with so many open calls across all genres \u2013 from astrophotography and macro, to wildlife, travel, food, portrait, or conceptual photography \u2013 there’s something for everyone.<\/p>\n
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The best part is that most competitions offer multiple categories, so you’re likely to find a perfect match for your work. To help you get started, I’ve put together a list of photography competitions with open calls that are accepting submissions from April until July 2026. It’s a small selection to spark inspiration, but there are countless others out there\u2026<\/p>\n
UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition \/ Dani Escayola (Spain). Underwater Seascapes \u2013 Winner (2025))<\/p>\n Deadline: April 6<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels who agree and follow the 2020 established charter of ethics in underwater photography \u2013 conservation rules will be strictly observed<\/p>\n Fee: Free to enter<\/p>\n Categories: Connecting Oceans, Big and Small Underwater Faces, Underwater Seascapes, Above Water Seascapes<\/p>\n Recognition: Winning images and finalists will be widely exposed throughout the contest websites, the media and the informational materials related to subsequent competitions. Winning photos have been printed for exhibitions around the world<\/p>\n For more information, visit the UN World Oceans Day Photo website. <\/a><\/p>\n What to read next<\/p>\n FMoPA 2026 International Photography Competition<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Maho \/ FMoPA)<\/p>\n Deadline: April 22<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels<\/p>\n Fee: $10 per image<\/p>\n Categories: People\/Portraits, Places\/Landscape, Nature\/Science\/Animals, Documentation\/Photojournalism, Still Life, Abstract, and Conceptual Photography<\/p>\n Prizes: Overall Winner receives $1,000 cash prize and consideration for a solo exhibition, Category Winners receive at least $100 value in goods and services, Group exhibition at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and more<\/p>\n For more information, visit the FMoPA website.<\/a><\/p>\n Nikon Small World Competitions<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Nikon Small World Contest)<\/p>\n Small World Photomicrography Competition & Deadline: April 30<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers and videographers of all levels<\/p>\n Fee: Free to enter<\/p>\n Topic: Microscopy and photography through the microscope<\/p>\n Prizes: From \u00a33,000 for 1st place down to $200 for Honorable Mentions, depending on specific competition<\/p>\n For more information, visit the Nikon Small World website.<\/a><\/p>\n Jal\u00f3n \u00c1ngel Photography Awards 2026<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Jalo\u0301n A\u0301ngel Photography Awards)<\/p>\n Deadline: May 4<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels<\/p>\n Fee: Free to enter<\/p>\n Categories: Portrait, Travel, Migration and borders<\/p>\n Prizes: Category winners receive each \u20ac1,500<\/p>\n For more information, visit the Jalon Angel website.<\/a><\/p>\n Virginia Prize 2026<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Prix Virginia)<\/p>\n Deadline: May 7<\/p>\n Open to: Women photographers of all levels<\/p>\n Fee: Free<\/p>\n Topic: Free theme, Series of 12-18 photographs required<\/p>\n Prizes: Overall winner receives \u20ac10,000 cash prize <\/p>\n For more information, visit the Prix Virginia website. <\/a><\/p>\n MonoVisions Photography Awards<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: MonoVisions Photography Awards \/ Alena Khodar)<\/p>\n Deadline: May 17<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels<\/p>\n Fee: Early: single image $20, series $25, Final: single image $25, series $30<\/p>\n Focus: Black and white photography<\/p>\n Categories: Abstract, Architecture, Conceptual, Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature and Wildlife, Nude, People, Photojournalism, Portrait, Street Photography, Travel<\/p>\n Prizes: Black and White Series of the Year will receive $3,000, Black and White Photo of the Year will receive $2,000<\/p>\n For more information, visit the MonoVision Awards website. <\/a><\/p>\n HIPA 2026 (Richest Photography Award)<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: HIPA \/ Anton Unitsyn)<\/p>\n Deadline: May 31<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels<\/p>\n Fee: Free to enter<\/p>\n Categories: Families, Dreams Through AI, Sports Photography, Portfolio (Story-telling), General (Black % White and Color)<\/p>\n Prizes: Grand Prize: $200,000, Category Prizes: 1st: $40,000, 2nd: $30,000, 3rd: $20,000, Portfolio Prize: 1st $50,000, 2nd: $40,000, 3rd: $30,000, Special Awards: Photographer of the Year: $80,000, Content Creator Award: $50,000, Appreciation Award $100,000<\/p>\n For more information, visit the HIPA website. <\/a><\/p>\n photoED magazine\u00a0<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: photoED)<\/p>\n Deadline: June 15<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels, worldwide exclusions: Residents of Russia, the Republic of Belarus and sanctioned countries (ie. Cuba, North Korea…)<\/p>\n Fee: Free to enter for community members (print edition subscription, Patreon patronage), general submissions CAN$20<\/p>\n Theme: Home VS Away, \u201cFine art photography projects that present the idea of HOME, an experience of AWAY, or a juxtaposition the two\u201d<\/p>\n Publication: Issue #76 of photoED magazine<\/p>\n For more information, click here. <\/a><\/p>\n Epson International Pano Awards<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Pano Awards)<\/p>\n Deadline: Early bird: June 22, Final: July 13<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels<\/p>\n Awards: Amateur, Open and VR\/360<\/p>\n Fee: Depending on Awards category, $20-$22 per image<\/p>\n Categories: Amateur Awards & Open Awards: Nature\/ Landscapes, Aerial, Built Environment. VR\/360 Awards: Open VR\/360<\/p>\n Prizes: TBA (last year\u2019s prize pool was worth over $50,000, including $15,000 cash)<\/p>\n For more information, visit the Pano Awards website.<\/a><\/p>\n Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards \/ Lea Scaddan)<\/p>\n Deadline: June 30<\/p>\n Open to: Photographers of all levels<\/p>\n Fee: Free to enter<\/p>\n Categories: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects, Fish and other Aquatic Species, Nikon<\/a> Young Photographer (25 years and under), Nikon Junior (16 years and under), Portfolio, Nikon Video, Photo People’s Choice <\/p>\n Prizes: Nikon cameras and lenses for the Nikon-sponsored categories \u2013 top entrants have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, hosted by the incredible Alex Walker’s Serian, along with a beautifully handcrafted trophy. All category winners will also receive a premium camera bag courtesy of ThinkTANK, and a professionally designed website from Amazing Internet<\/p>\n For more information, visit the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards website.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Alt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/53xYQMNTP5hpZga7akD3qB.png\")
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Small World In Motion Video Competition<\/p>\n
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