The SPIE International Day Of Light Photo Contest 2026, organized by the SPIE – the international society for optics and photonics located in Bellingham, USA is a prestigious annual competition recently opened for entires that has a goal to raise public awareness about the International Day of Light and to demonstrate the impact that light has on cultural, economic, and political aspects of our world.

This contest encourages both amateur and professional photographers from around the globe to capture and submit compelling images that showcase the multifaceted role of light has in everyday life, from healthcare innovations and renewable energy solutions to telecommunications and cultural heritage preservation.

Participants are encouraged to submit original photographs that capture innovative and imaginative perspectives on the theme of light, nature, communities, and technology illustrating its versatility, beauty, and critical importance.

Entrants have the opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills, artistic creativity, and unique interpretations of how light shapes our world, thereby promoting broader engagement with scientific concepts through visual storytelling.