THE INTERNATIONAL
PHOTO CONTESTS DIRECTORY 2026
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Recommended and Sponsored Calls:

A practical guide to seascape photography competitions: which ones fit coastal and ocean images, how to read the rules, and how to plan your next entries.

What 'previously published' means in photo contests, how it differs from U.S. copyright publication, and a checklist to keep your images eligible.

A guide to infrared photography contests open to US and European photographers: the main one, how entries are judged, and how to find other calls.

• Vogue

• Black Box Gallery • Deadline: November 13th, 2026 • Theme: Open • Prize: Exhibition in Portland (USA) + Sales • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Black Box Gallery is pleased to announce an open-themed, juried group photography exhibition inviting photographers to submit their favorite images and most compelling photographic work. The call welcomes a broad range of themes, concepts, artistic approaches, and photographic genres, celebrating the diversity of contempo

• The Hopper Prize • Deadline: November 17th, 2026 • Theme: Open • Prize: $4,000 X 4 Winners + Exposure • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The Hopper Prize is an international grant-making organisation and digital archiving platform dedicated to supporting contemporary artists and increasing the visibility of their work. Twice a year, the organisation awards a series of individual artist grants, distributing a total of $26,000 USD to selected recipients. Through its

• Decagon Gallery • Deadline: December 15th, 2026 • Theme: The Room Next Door • Prize: $1,000 Prize Pool + Online Exhibition • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE There is always another room just beyond our reach: a door left slightly open, a window glowing across a courtyard, a corridor disappearing around a corner, or a voice drifting through a wall. These fragments suggest the presence of another space, another story, or another life unfolding somewhere nearby. We

• Luis Ferreira Alves Photo Award • Deadline: January 1st, 2027 • Theme: A Contemporary Look at Architecture • Prize: €10,000 + Publication + Exhibition • Entry Fees: Free • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The Luis Ferreira Alves International Photography Competition | A Contemporary Look at Architecture is a biennial initiative dedicated to celebrating the legacy and artistic contribution of Luis Ferreira Alves, one of Portugal’s most distinguished architectural photographers. The

• Un/Produced & Un/Fund + Witty Books • Deadline: November 17th, 2026 • Category: Photo Book Projects • Prize: €10,000 + Published with Witty Books • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE This open call gives one selected photographer the opportunity to turn an existing body of work into their very first photobook, with the support and guidance of an independent publishing house. We are seeking photographers who have developed a project they believe deserves to be explor

• S.T.E.

• Decode Gallery • Deadline: November 20th, 2026 • Theme: Blue • Prize: Exhibition in Tucson + Sales + Exposure • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Decode Gallery is pleased to announce its upcoming photography exhibition, Blue, a themed open call dedicated to exploring the artistic, emotional, and visual possibilities of one of the most versatile colours in photography. Found throughout the natural world and within our everyday surroundings, blue offers photographer

What photo contests charge in the US, when free entry is real, and how to judge whether a fee is worth paying, with 2026 examples from named organizers.

A practical guide to panoramic photography competitions: the Pano Awards, Sony and FAPA landscape categories, aspect ratio rules, fees and deadlines.

Photo contest deadlines get extended, but not reliably. Learn how to spot real extensions, avoid late fees and plan entries around the original date.

• Sublime Photo Awards • Deadline: November 1st, 2026 • Category: Several Categories • Prize: $500 + Exposure • Entry Fees: Free • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE What makes a photograph truly sublime? It may be the extraordinary precision of its execution, the harmony and originality of its composition, or the emotional power of the story it tells. Sometimes, a single image brings together all these elements, creating a moment of visual perfection that captures the viewer's attenti

• PHotoESPAÑA

• National Geographic

• Czestochowa Museum + Fujifilm Poland • Deadline: October 31st, 2027 • Category: Street Photography • Prize: 5000 PLN (1275 usd) + Fujifilm Camera • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Inspired by the beauty, unpredictability, and visual richness of everyday life, the FUJIFILM MOMENT STREET PHOTO AWARDS was established to bring greater visibility to street photography and the photographers who dedicate themselves to this compelling art form. Street photography has the

• Getxophoto International Image Festival • Deadline: November 3rd, 2027 • Category: Contemporary Photography • Prize: €500 + Exhibition in Spain + 2-Night Stay • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE A tide is, in its most familiar form, the recurring movement of the sea as water levels rise and fall in response to natural forces. Yet the idea of a tide extends far beyond the shoreline. It can describe any movement of forces that reshape a landscape, influence a communi

• Fabula Works • Deadline: November 15th, 2026 • Category: Lines • Prize: Exhibition in Rome (Italy) + Sales • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The open call is seeking two photographers for the first exhibition programme of 2027, inviting artists to develop their own interpretation of the theme “Lines.” Rather than prescribing a particular subject, technique or photographic style, the call leaves the concept deliberately open, allowing photographers to approach the

• Rotterdam Photo • Deadline: November 4th, 2026 • Theme: Vibrance, The Pulse of a Living World • Prize: Exhibition at the Rotterdam Photo Festival • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Rotterdam Photo presents Vibrance, a theme that challenges conventional ways of representing the contemporary world and encourages photographers to look beyond the prevailing narratives of crisis. The project focuses on the energy, creativity, and connections that persist despite social

• Dusk Photo Gallery • Deadline: October 22nd, 2026 • Theme: Human • Prize: Exhibition in Santa Fe (USA) + Sales • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE This open call invites photographers to explore the human experience through images that capture genuine emotions, personal stories, and the moments that define our lives. We are interested in photographs that look beyond appearances to reveal the personalities, feelings, and experiences that make each individual unique.

• Homiens • Deadline: October 29th, 2026 • Category: Art and Photography • Prize: $24,000 Awarded Annually + Exhibition • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The Homiens Art Prize welcomes artists from every stage of their creative journey. For emerging artists, it can provide an important opportunity to gain visibility and establish a presence within the international art scene. For established professionals, it offers another platform through which to present their w

• The Black & White Gallery • Deadline: November 10th, 2026 • Category: Black & White Photography • Prize: Exhibition in Miami (USA) + Sales • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The Black & White Gallery is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for its international juried artist search for Red Dot Miami 2026, one of the prominent contemporary art exhibitions taking place during Miami Art Week. Scheduled for December 2–6, 2026, the event will coincide with

Find U.S. and international scientific photography contests, plus submission advice on clear methods, captions, image files, and astrophotography rules.

November photo contests for 2026: verified deadlines from Nov 3 to Nov 30, grants, open calls, entry tips and how to pick the ones worth your fees.

Prepare contest photos with seven export checks for sRGB conversion, embedded profiles, JPEG quality, dimensions, and a final file review before upload.

• Narrative International Photography
Awards • Deadline: October 31st, 2026 • Theme: 6 across Wedding, Portrait & Family • Prize: Exposure + Vouchers • Entry Fees: Free • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The Narrative International Photography Awards aim to recognize outstanding professional photography and bring exceptional photographic work to the attention of a wider audience. Photographers are invited to participate by submitting their best images across six different categories,

• Fotografia Calabria Festival • Deadline: November 15th, 2027 • Theme: Open • Prize: €2,000 + €1,000 + Publication + Exhibition • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE For the first time, the competition leaves the choice of subject entirely open. Without a predetermined theme, photographers are invited to follow their own interests, questions and creative instincts, bringing forward projects that reflect their individual ways of seeing the world. This openness is an in

• New York City for Photographic Arts • Deadline: November 22nd, 2026 • Theme: Architecture • Prize: $4,000 Prize Pool + Online Exhibition • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The New York Center for Photographic Art (NYC4PA) invites photographers from around the world to participate in its photography competitions by submitting images created through a wide range of photographic techniques and processes. Artists are encouraged to explore their creativity and present

• PHotoESPAÑA

• Fujifilm

• Sublime Photo Awards • Deadline: November 1st, 2026 • Category: Several Categories • Prize: $500 + Exposure • Entry Fees: Free • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE A truly sublime photograph is the result of a remarkable combination of artistic vision, technical excellence, thoughtful composition, and the ability to communicate a powerful message. Sometimes, it is a single extraordinary element that transforms an image into something unforgettable; in other cases, it is the perfect b

Compare leading conservation photography contests, check animal welfare and editing rules, and find new calls through a directory tracking hundreds weekly.

Explore street portrait contests for photographers, compare prizes, check fees and releases, and use PhotoContestsClub to track deadlines and find new calls.

• Getxophoto International Image Festival • Deadline: November 3rd, 2027 • Category: Contemporary Photography • Prize: €500 + Exhibition in Spain + 2-Night Stay • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The concept of a tide traditionally refers to the natural rhythm of the sea, marked by the continuous rise and fall of water levels. Beyond its physical meaning, however, a tide can also represent the powerful forces that shape landscapes, alter environments, and transform

• SEE:ZEEN Magazine • Deadline: October 18th, 2026 • Category: Contemporary Photography • Prize: Publication + Exposure • Entry Fees: Free • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Wherever you are in the world, you are welcome to submit your work. see-zeen** was created for photographers who want to share their vision, their ideas, and their way of seeing. We believe photography is at its most exciting when there are no unnecessary boundaries — no limits on genre, subject, style, technique

• Photora Awards • Deadline: November 27th, 2026 • Category: Several Categories • Prize: €2,700 + Exposure + Certificates • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The Photora Awards offer photographers and visual creators an international platform to showcase their work and gain recognition for their creativity. With 20 categories covering a wide range of photographic genres, including Street, Portrait, Wildlife, Minimalism, Smartphone, Architecture, and Astrophotography,

• Kuala Lumpur Portrait Award • Deadline: November 25th, 2027 • Category: Autoportrait • Prize: €1,000 + Exhibitions in Malaysia and UK • Entry Fees: Yes (Free for Students) • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE KLPA presents the third interim edition of the AUTOPORTRAIT 2026 Open Call, inviting photographers and visual artists to explore the creative possibilities of self-portraiture through the theme of PLAY. For this edition, KLPA is collaborating with the FORMAT International Photog

• New York Center for Photographic Arts • Deadline: October 18th, 2026 • Category: Monochrome Photography • Prize: $4,000 Prize Pool + Online Exhibition • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE KODAK, ILFORD, and FUJI once defined the landscape of photographic image-making. For generations, photographers followed a familiar sequence: shoot the film, develop the negatives, and make the print. Creating a successful black-and-white photograph was a process that unfolded thro

• The Billboard Creative • Deadline: November 16th, 2026 • Theme: Contemporary Art & Photo • Prize: Exhibitions all over Los Angeles (USA) • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Imagine Seeing Your Artwork on a Billboard in Los Angeles The Billboard Creative is opening submissions for its 13th Annual Los Angeles Billboard Exhibition, inviting artists to bring their work into the heart of the city and experience the extraordinary possibilities of public-scale art. Forget

Check age category, residency, copyright, image format, and editing rules before entering a photo contest. Use official resources to verify eligibility.

Find ICM photography contests through abstract and experimental calls, then use practical shooting, editing, and submission advice to make each entry count.

• Czestochowa Museum + Fujifilm Poland • Deadline: October 31st, 2027 • Category: Street Photography • Prize: 5000 PLN (1275 usd) + Fujifilm Camera • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The FUJIFILM MOMENT STREET PHOTO AWARDS was created out of a genuine passion for street photography and a fascination with the spontaneous, authentic moments that unfold in everyday life. Through this competition, we aim to celebrate this unique photographic genre, promote its artistic

• Decode Gallery • Deadline: October 16th, 2026 • Theme: Southwest • Prize: Exhibition in Tucson + Sales + Exposure • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Decode Gallery welcomes photographers to participate in a juried exhibition celebrating the visual richness and cultural diversity of the American Southwest. This exhibition aims to showcase photographs that capture the distinctive character of the region, offering viewers a variety of perspectives on its landscapes,

• Arrival Gallery • Deadline: November 1st, 2026 • Category: contemporary Photography • Prize: Exhibition in London (UK) + Exposure • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Arrival Gallery is excited to open submissions for its upcoming London exhibition programme, inviting artists to share their work, ideas, and individual creative perspectives with a wider audience. This open call celebrates the diversity of contemporary artistic practice and welcomes both emerging tale

• P.M.O.H. • Deadline: October 15th, 2026 • Theme: Open • Prize: €10,000 + Solo Exhibitions in Italy • Entry Fees: Yes • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE The PhMuseum Women Photographers Grant returns for its 10th edition as an international platform supporting the work, visibility, and professional development of female and non-binary photographers. The Grant is open to photographers of all ages and nationalities working across different fields and approaches to photography, offerin

• Seeing Happy • Deadline: October 15th, 2026 • Theme: Images of Peace • Prize: Exhibition in Warsaw (Poland) • Entry Fees: Free • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE Images of Peace is a global photography initiative inviting participants from all backgrounds to reflect on one simple yet powerful question: What does peace mean to you? Through the submission of a single photograph and a short written reflection, participants are encouraged to share their personal perspective and become

• UNICEF

• Castelfiorentino For the Arts • Deadline: October 15th, 2026 • Theme: Contemporary Photography • Prize: €3,000 + Exhibition in Italy + Publication • Entry Fees: Free • REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE "Raccont'arti" is a free international open call designed to support photographers and visual artists working at the forefront of contemporary photographic practice. By bringing together artists from diverse cultural and creative backgrounds, the initiative aims to provide a snapshot