All award-winning photographers started somewhere – here are 10 photography contests to get your photography noticed this October
These international photography contests want to see your images and are open to photographers of all levels
For photographers seeking exposure and recognition, submitting their work to photo competitions is a valuable opportunity. Not only can winners enjoy prizes and publicity, but the process itself often helps photographers review their archives, refine their unique styles, and even kickstart their careers. With numerous contests available across various genres, there's an option for everyone.
Below is a list of photography contests with ongoing submissions from October 2026 to February 2027, providing inspiration for those looking to showcase their work.
The Fine Art Photography Awards accept submissions until October 11 for early entrants and until February 14 for final submissions. The competition is open to photographers of all levels, with categories ranging from Abstract, Architecture, and Conceptual to Landscape, Nature, Night Photography, and more. Prizes include a grand prize of $2,000 for amateurs and $3,000 for professionals, along with other awards in various categories.
The Travel Photographer of the Year competition, with its deadline on October 12, welcomes photographers of all levels with a free entry for those aged 18 and under. Categories include Adventures & Journeys, Cultures, Traditions & Celebrations, Landscapes – Nature & Urban, Wildlife, Sealife, Birdlife, and more. Prizes range from £1,000 to £200, and there are additional awards like Travel Photographer of the Year, Young Travel Photographer of the Year, and more.
The Wellcome Photography Prize, accepting entries until October 21, focuses on issues related to health, science, and the human experience. It offers a £10,000 prize for each Category Winner, with 22 entries awarded £1,000 each from the three categories. Extensive international media coverage accompanies the winners.
The Insta360 Global Awards, with a deadline of October 30, is free to enter and accepts submissions from photographers and videographers using Insta360 or Antigravity products. Videos must be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes in length, with single images under 20MB. The competition offers a substantial prize pool of $150,000+ for over 100 winners.
The Environmental Photography Award, open until November 1, aims to raise awareness of environmental protection and the relationship between humans and nature. Categories include Polar Regions, Forests, Ocean, Changemakers, and Human vs Nature, with a total of €8,000 in grants. Winners and shortlisted photographers will also be featured in the award's exhibition and book.
Lastly, the IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition, with a deadline of November 18, focuses on eye health and the role vision plays in daily life as part of the #LoveYourEyes campaign. Categories include Love Your Eyes, Love Your Child's Eyes, Love Your Eyes at Work, Love Health for All, and Making t.
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