Top Photography Contests to Enter in 2025

Winning a top photography contest is a dream shared by countless photographers, from emerging talents to seasoned professionals. Each year, photographers from around the world test their skills and push their creative boundaries by entering prestigious international competitions. These contests offer more than just the chance to win attractive cash prizes and achieve global recognition; they also provide a unique opportunity for photographers to showcase their work to a broader audience. Beyond the tangible rewards, participating in these contests allows photographers to reflect on their artistic journey, refine their techniques, and grow creatively — a benefit that often surpasses the value of any award. For those passionate about photography, entering these competitions can be a transformative experience.


January
World Press Photo
The annual World Press Photo Contest recognizes and celebrates the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year.

Prize: The prize-winning photographs are assembled into an exhibition that travels to 45 countries and is seen by more than 4 million people each year. The winning pictures are also published in the yearbook, which is available in multiple languages

World Press Photo is a top photography contest to enter in 2025 due to its global prestige, offering photographers unparalleled international recognition and exposure. Known for its focus on impactful photojournalism, the contest showcases compelling visual stories that highlight critical social and political issues. Winners not only receive cash prizes but also benefit from widespread media attention and career-boosting opportunities, with their work featured in a traveling exhibition seen by millions. For photographers looking to make an impact and elevate their careers, this contest is a significant platform.
World Press Photo Website

Sony World Photography Awards
The Sony World Photography Awards has four competitions:
Professional Recognising outstanding bodies of work
Open Rewarding the world's best single images
Youth Best single images by photographers aged 12-19
Student For photography students worldwide

Prizes : A total prize fund of $30,000 (USD) plus the latest Sony digital imaging equipment is shared between winning photographers + Exhibition at Somerset House in London UK

As one of the largest and most prestigious photography contests in the world, the Sony World Photography Awards attracts photographers from all levels and genres. With categories ranging from portraiture and landscape to fine art and architecture, it offers a chance for photographers to showcase their talents on a global stage. Winners enjoy not only substantial cash prizes but also significant media attention, inclusion in a global exhibition, and the opportunity to have their work published. For photographers looking to elevate their careers, this contest is a must-enter in 2025.
Sony World Photography Awards Website

Istanbul Photo Awards
The competition is open to professional photojournalists from around the world.
Prizes: The Photo of the Year award will be given to the photograph that is first in the Single News category, and the photographer will be awarded $6,000. The first place winners in each category will be awarded $3,000, the second place winners $1,500, and the third place winners $1,000. The Story Daily Life and Story Portrait categories will have first place winners exclusively.
Istanbul Photo Awards Website

Siena International Photo Awards
The winners of the main categories are invited to attend the AWARDS CEREMONY and GALA to compete for the main award of the SIPA Photographer of the Year. The overall winner and the category winners receive the coveted PANGEA PRIZE crystal statuette. Prizes: € 2,500 to be divided between winners, overnight stays in Siena during the weekend of the Awards Ceremony, international exhibition of the works of the winners, photo publication in the book of the Beyond The Lens series, PANGEA PRIZE crystal statuette, and others.
Siena International Photo Awards Website

Best of Photojournalism (BOP)
For more than 75 years, the members of the National Press Photographers Association have worked tirelessly for the benefit of photojournalists by utilizing a range of advocacy and educational programs. Through our annual Best of Photojournalism competition, we proudly recognize the work of visual storytellers around the world.
The competition is split into six primary divisions: Still Photojournalism, Video Photojournalism, Picture Editing, Video Editing, Online Video Presentation & Innovation and Documentary.
NPPA Website

2025 Monovisions Photography Awards
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language. Our categories: Abstract, Architecture, Conceptual, Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature and Wildlife, Nude, People, Photojournalism, Portrait, Street Photography and Travel.
Prizes: $3,000 cash prize for Black and White Series of the Year, $2,000 cash prize for Black and White Photo of the Year.
Monovisions Photography Awards Website


February
All About Photo Awards
The All About Photo Awards is an exciting competition that celebrates diverse photographic talent across a range of genres, from documentary and portrait photography to fine art. This contest aims to highlight the best emerging and established photographers, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience. Winners receive cash prizes and the chance for their work to be featured in prominent online and print publications, making it a fantastic opportunity for photographers looking to expand their reach and recognition in 2025. For those passionate about exploring new themes and pushing the boundaries of their craft, the All About Photo Awards is a must-enter contest this year.

Prizes : A total prize fund of $10,000 (USD), plus publication in a special printed edition of AAP Magazine.
All About Photo Competition Website

World Food Photography Awards
Formerly known as The Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year, the World Food Photography Awards is a unique photography competition celebrating the very best in food photography from around the world. This contest is perfect for photographers specializing in food photography, offering them a global platform to display their work. celebrates the best in food-related imagery, from still life and portraits of chefs to stunning food landscapes. Winners receive considerable media exposure and cash prizes, and the competition’s high visibility makes it an excellent opportunity for those aiming to excel in the niche of food photography in 2025.
World Food Photography Awards

Grand Prix Images Vevey:
Grand Prix Images Vevey: support grant for the creation of an original photography project that will be shown at the next Images Vevey biennial in Vevey (Switzerland) in September.
This prize grants the winner the indivisible sum of 40 000 CHF for the development, achievement and presentation of a new photography project at the Images Vevey biennial in September
Grand Prix Images Vevey Website

Fine Art Photography Awards
Created in 2014, this competition is a melting pot for people where passion, interest, sense of beauty and openness to diversity in photography collide in intergalactic proportions.
Total prizes : 5000$ : Professional category: Grand Prize Winner will receive $3000, Amateur category: Grand Prize Winner will receive $2000
Fine Art Photography Awards Website


March
Big Picture Natural World
Big Picture is open to all photography enthusiasts and professionals alike worldwide to compete for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize.
Big Picture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery.
Big Picture Natural World Website


April
Leica Oskar Barnack Award
The Leica Oskar Barnack Award is perfect for photographers who focus on the human-environment relationship. This prestigious contest invites photographers to submit series that tell compelling stories through powerful imagery. Winning this award means not only gaining international recognition but also joining a community of esteemed photographers. With the backing of the legendary Leica brand, this competition is ideal for photographers looking to make a statement in 2025 and beyond.

Prizes: The winner of the main category Leica Oskar Barnack Award receives a cash prize of 40,000 Euros and in addition Leica camera equipment valued as. The winner in the category Leica Oskar Barnack Award Newcomer receives a cash prize of 10,000 Euros and a Leica Leica Q3 camera
Leica Oskar Barnack Award

Prix HCB 2025
The HCB Award, granted by the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson once every two years, supports the creation of an ambitious photography project.

Prizes: The HCB Award provides 35,000 euros and is accompanied by an exhibition and a publication of the project.
Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson Website

Inge Morath Award
The recipient and finalist are selected by a jury composed of Magnum Photos members, the Inge Morath Estate, and the Executive Director of the Magnum Foundation.
A grant given to a woman or nonbinary photographer under the age of 30 to support the completion of a long-term documentary project.

Prizes: The selected recipient will receive a grant of $7,500, and one finalist will also receive a $1,000 grant in support of their project.
Magnum Foundation Website

Nikon Small World Competition
Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography. The video competition, entitled Small World In Motion encompasses any movie or digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope.

Winners will receive one of 20 prizes, sorted according to rank in the competition. The first three prize are $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 (US) respectively.
Nikon Small World Website


May
Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize
The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize is the leading international competition, open to all, which celebrates and promotes the very best in contemporary portrait photography from around the world.

Prizes: Exhibition of fifty-seven works features all of the prestigious prize winners including the winner of the 15,000 Pound Sterling.

Focused on portrait photography, the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize is one of the most prestigious contests in its field. Held annually by the National Portrait Gallery in London, this competition celebrates the art of capturing human expressions and emotions. Winners and finalists have their work exhibited in a highly publicized gallery show, offering exposure to an international audience. For portrait photographers looking to make their mark in 2025, this contest is an essential opportunity.
National Portrait Gallery

Camille Lepage Award
The Association named Camille Lepage – On est ensemble was founded on September 20, 2014, only months after the death of Camille Lepage while reporting in the Central African Republic. The Association commemorates Camille, her work and commitment.
For the ninth time, the collecting society la Saif* is supporting the award (€8,000) which provides backing and encouragement for a photojournalist committed to a long-term project.
Visa pour l'Image Website


June
Minimalist Photography Awards
The Minimalist Photography Awards is an annual competition that celebrates the beauty and power of minimalism in photography. It is open to photographers of all levels and backgrounds who share a passion for capturing the essence of simplicity in their work.

Prizes: $2,000 Cash Prize + Participation in ‘Best of Show’ Exhibition + Publication in the Minimalist Photography Awards Annual Book.
Minimalist Photography Awards Website

Nature Photographer of the Year
For nature enthusiasts, the Nature Photographer of the Year competition offers a prime opportunity to have their work showcased on a global stage. This contest emphasizes the beauty and fragility of the natural world, encouraging photographers to capture breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and conservation-focused themes. Winners gain significant exposure and have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing conversation about environmental conservation. Entering this contest in 2025 is a great way for nature photographers to gain recognition while promoting vital ecological issues.
Nature Photographer of the Year Website

Foam Paul Huf Award
The Foam Paul Huf Award is an internationally acclaimed photography prize, initiated by Foam, for photographers under the age of 35 from across the world.

Since 2007, Foam has awarded this prize to support and offer a platform to up-and-coming artists. In the years after receiving the award, the winners have made an international breakthrough, demonstrating that winning this title had a positive impact on their careers.

Prize: 20.000 Euros and an exhibition at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam
Foam Paul Huf Award

Prix Bayeux for War Correspondents
Photo, radio, television and written press reports on a conflict or news event relating to the fight for freedom and democracy the year before the contest.

Prizes: There is a € 7,000 grant to be won in each category.
Prix Bayeux Website


July
International Photography Awards (IPA)
The International Photography Awards (IPA) is a highly respected competition that celebrates photographers across various genres, from fine art to commercial photography. This contest provides exceptional opportunities for photographers to have their work recognized by a panel of industry experts, gain exposure through exhibitions, and compete for cash prizes. With its commitment to promoting both emerging and established photographers, the IPA is an excellent contest for those looking to build their careers in 2025.

Prizes: International Photographer of the Year Award The top award in the Professional Categories includes The Lucie Trophy and a $12,000 cash prize
International Photography Awards Website

Life Framer Open Call
The 1st and 2nd Prize photographers each month will have their image exhibited in galleries around the world. The Series Award winner receives a solo show.
Life Framer Website


August
Black & White Spider Awards
Black and White Spider Awards is open to professional and amateur photographers shooting in all forms of black and white photography, using traditional or digital methods.
Prizes: Medal, Online exhibition, Published in Winners Book
Black & White Spider Awards Website

September
ND Awards
Aimed at all types of photography, ND AWARDS is the perfect platform where professionals compete in six main categories: Architecture, Editorial, Fine Art, Nature, People and Special. Amateurs can also vie for the title as they compete in five categories: Architecture, Fine Art, Nature, People and Special.
Prizes: $7,500 in awards.
ND Awards Website

Carmignac Photojournalism Award
The Carmignac Photojournalism Award is a notable photography contest in 2025, particularly for those focused on in-depth, investigative work. It provides a €50,000 grant, allowing photographers to explore and document underreported social, environmental, and geopolitical issues. The award offers a chance to work on long-term projects that might otherwise be difficult to fund, especially in challenging or conflict-affected regions. Additionally, winners gain exposure through international exhibitions and publications, making it an important platform for photojournalists seeking to tell critical stories.

Prizes: Selected by an international jury, the laureates receive a €50,000 grant to carry out a 6-month field report with the support of the Fondation Carmignac, which produces, upon their return, a travelling exhibition and the publication of a monograph. At the end of each edition, four photographs bequeathed by the laureates are included in the Carmignac collection.
Carmignac Photojournalism Award Website


EPSON International Pano Awards
The Epson International Pano Awards is dedicated to the craft and art of panoramic photography, and is the world’s largest competition devoted to the genre. Each year the top performing photographers are showcased in hundreds of publications worldwide – and once again this year the prize pool value is a whopping US$40,000 – including $14,000 cash
EPSON International Pano Awards Website

Le Prix de la Photographie de Paris ( PX3 )
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $12,000 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.
PX3 Website

International Landscape Photographer of the Year
There is a total of US$12,500 in cash prizes, printed copies of the book for the major prize winners and some NiSi filter outfits.
International Landscape Photographer of the Year Website


October
The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize
The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize is awarded annually to a living artist of any nationality who has made the most significant contribution, either through an exhibition or publication, to the medium of photography in Europe in the previous year.

As one of the most prestigious prizes in the world of photography, it highlights significant trends of contemporary photography and showcases the works of artists shaping today’s international photography scene.

The Prize was set up in 1996 by The Photographers’ Gallery in London. Deutsche Börse had been a sponsor of the £30,000 award from 2005 on. Since its establishment in 2015, the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation has taken its place as partner of the Photographers’ Gallery and continues to present the award under its new title “Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize”.
Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Website

W. Eugene Smith Grant
The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography is presented annually to a photographer whose past work and proposed project, as judged by a panel of experts, follows the tradition of W. Eugene Smith's concerned photography and dedicated compassion evidenced during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist.

Prizes: In 2024, the amount of the W. Eugene Smith Grant was $30,000. In addition, two $10,000 Finalist Grant were awarded.
W. Eugene Smith Grant

PhMuseum Women Photographers Grant
The PhMuseum Women Photographers Grant, aims to empower the work and careers of female and non-binary professionals of all ages and from all countries working in diverse areas of photography. Its mission is to support the growth of the new generations and promote stories narrated from a female perspective while responding to the need to work for gender equality in the industry.

Prizes: €10,000 in cash plus a solo show at PhMuseum Lab, screenings at Photo Vogue Festival, and more
PhMuseum Website


Chromatic Photography Awards
Chromatic Awards is an international competition of color photography open to both professionals and amateurs.

Prizes: Grand Prize is $2.000 for Professional Winner and $1.000 For Amateur Winner.
Chromatic Photography Awards Website



November
Gomma Photography Grant
The Gomma Photography Grant is a grant contest tailored to fund and support photographers working in various genre. Begun in 2014, the Gomma Grant has quickly acquired a reputation for being ethical and quality-focused, with an eye for spotting fresh talent and encouraging those already in the spotlight. Photographers that are recognized through the Gomma Grant are known to have grown their career to a higher level, both professionally and artistically.
Gomma Photography Grant Website


Monochrome Photography Awards
The Monochrome Photography Awards focus solely on black-and-white photography, a genre that continues to captivate artists and audiences alike. This contest offers categories in fine art, portraiture, and architectural photography, among others. Winners receive international recognition and are featured in an annual book showcasing the best monochrome work of the year. For photographers passionate about the timeless art of black-and-white imagery, this competition is one of the best to enter in 2025.

Prizes: Winning entries of the first, second and third place winners alongside other submissions that judges deem worthy of commendation from both the professional and amateur categories will be published in the Monochrome Photography Awards Annual Book. Overall winner of professional section will receive: $2,000 cash prize, Overall winner of amateur section will receive: $1,000 cash prize.
Monochrome Photography Awards Website

Ice Bed © Nima Sarikhani, Category Winner Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023

December
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, hosted by the Natural History Museum in London, is the pinnacle of wildlife photography competitions. It highlights the world’s most incredible wildlife imagery, showcasing the beauty, drama, and fragility of nature. Winning entries are celebrated globally, and the contest is known for its ability to elevate photographers’ careers. In 2025, wildlife photographers looking to gain recognition and contribute to the dialogue on conservation should prioritize entering this competition.

Prizes: The prizes for photographers aged 18 and over include the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award with a prize of £10,000, a trophy, and a personalized certificate. Other prizes include the Portfolio Award (£2,500 and a trip to London for the awards ceremony), Photojournalist Story Award (£2,500 and a trip to London for the awards ceremony), Rising Star Portfolio Award (£1,500 and a trip to London for the awards ceremony), and individual category winners (£1,250 and a trip to London for the awards ceremony).
Natural History Museum Website

Annual Photography Awards
The Annual Photography Awards are dedicated to preserving the craft as a contemporary medium of fine art, and is motivated to helping young artists rise in their careers.

Prizes: Grand Prize: $2.500 in cash for overall Winner, $500 for each of 5 categories Winners
Annual Photography Awards Website

LensCulture Art Photography Awards
LensCulture is known for hosting some of the most respected photography contests, and their ArtPhotography Awards is no exception. The LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2025 celebrate innovative and creative approaches to photography that push artistic boundaries. Open to artists globally, the competition highlights experimental work, unique visual styles, and thought-provoking concepts.

Prizes: The prizes include cash awards of up to $3,500 for series winners and $2,000 for single image winners. Additionally, winners will have their work exhibited in New York, receive international media exposure.
Lensculture Website

Onironautica © Ludovica De Santis, Series Winner LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2024

For More information on Photo Contests
Best Contests and Grants for Photojournalists
Best photo contests with cash prizes
Current photography contests open to all photographers.
Current photography contests open to amateur photographers
Current photography contests open to professional photographers
All About Photo Competitions

A Salaryman's Night Out © Daniel Sackheim, All About Photo Awards 2024