All award-winning photographers started somewhere – 10 photography contests to get your photography noticed this September
These international photography contests want to see your images and are open to photographers of all levels
For photographers of all skill levels, participating in photo competitions can be a valuable opportunity to gain exposure and recognition. Competitions offer more than just the chance to win prizes; they also provide a platform to rediscover and refine personal styles, and can serve as a gateway to building a name and growing an audience. With numerous contests across various genres, there is something to suit every photographer's interests.
The 2026 Arnold Newman Prize is open until September 23 and welcomes photographers of all levels, aged 18 and above, to submit their work in the category of New Directions in Photographic Portraiture. The prize offers a $20,000 grand prize, with three finalists receiving a $500 stipend each. Winning entries will be featured in Maine Media's online exhibitions and a professionally produced publication celebrating the prize recipient's work.
AAP Magazine's #61: Street competition, with a deadline of September 29, invites photographers of all levels to submit their street photography for a chance to win $1,000 in cash awards, publication in AAP Magazine #61, extensive press coverage, and international exposure. The Botanical Photographer of the Year contest, launched by the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, is free to enter and open to photographers of all levels.
The competition features several categories, including Intrepid, Inquisitive, Inclusive, and Open, with special recognition for the Young Botanical Photographer of the Year, aged 18 or under. Winners and categories will be announced shortly.
The Fine Art Photography Awards accept entries from early October until February 14 and welcome photographers of all levels to participate. The contest offers a choice of ten categories, including Abstract, Architecture, Conceptual, Experimental, Fashion, Fine Art, Landscape, Nature, Night Photography, Nudes, Open Theme, Panoramic, People, Photojournalism, Photomanipulation, Portrait, Seascape, Street Photography, Travel, and Wildlife/Animals.
Amateur and professional categories are available, with an additional category fee for professional submissions. Winners include a $2,000 grand prize for amateurs and $3,000 for professionals.
The Travel Photographer of the Year contest, open until October 12, caters to photographers of all levels with an entry fee starting at £14 (free for young photographers aged 18 and under). Contestants may submit entries in various portfolio categories, such as Adventures & Journeys, Cultures, Traditions & Celebrations, Landscapes – Nature & Urban, Wildlife, Sealife, Birdlife, One Shot categories, and Special Awards.
Cash prizes range from £1,000 to £200, and winners will receive industry portfolio reviews, media exposure, and more. Finally, the Wellcome Photography Prize, open until October 21, focuses on health, science, and the human experience. The contest offers £10,000 for each category winner and £1,000 for each of the 22 entries selected from the three categories. All winning images will receive extensive international media coverage.
Written by urgent.news from Digital Camera World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
