20 Online Photography Contests for 2025 & Beyond! 📸 🙌 | List of Photography Contests for All Styles

Looking to level up your photography game in 2025? If so, we’ve scoured the web to find the very best online photography contests, covering everything from free online photography contests that won’t cost you a dime, to next-level competitions that charge an entry fee - but reward you with huge exposure and serious prizes.

And let’s be real: there’s nothing better than wandering through stunning landscapes or capturing rare wildlife moments, except maybe doing it in comfort and style. That’s why we’re also proud to mention our Wildtree camera straps - crafted for adventurers who refuse to compromise on durability (or their sense of style).

So snag your favorite lens, slip on a trusted strap, and get ready to shoot your shot in 20 incredible contests this year. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to dip your toes into the photography scene, or a pro looking for fresh recognition, these photography contests online offer something for everyone, and we’ve got all the need-to-know details, right here.

* Please note that while some of these have already closed submissions for 2025, they are annual photography contests - so start prepping for next year!

1. Smithsonian Magazine Annual Photo Contest

The folks at Smithsonian are all about celebrating our wondrous planet - everything from quirky travel shots to inspiring portraits. They split submissions into categories like Natural World, Travel, and The American Experience, so if you’ve got a sweeping shot of mountain peaks or a heartfelt snapshot of daily life, this is a big stage to share it on.

Smithsonian Magazine Annual Photo Contest Information:

- Website: SmithsonianMag.com/photocontest

- Deadline: Typically early December each year (look for 2025 dates to be announced soon)

- Entry Fee: Free

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Open worldwide, no age restrictions

- Prizes: Expect a grand prize of around $2,500, category awards, and a special Readers’ Choice. Plus, finalists get published online and possibly in the magazine. Instant bragging rights.

2. Audubon Photography Awards

If you have a soft spot for our feathery friends, this contest calls your name. Share close-ups of eagles in flight or comedic snaps of backyard robins. Audubon’s mission is all about bird conservation, so your photos help inspire others to protect wildlife habitats.

Audubon Photography Awards Information: 

- Website: Audubon.org/photoawards-entry

 - Deadline: Generally opens in January and closes in early March (2025 specifics TBA)

 - Entry Fee: $15 per image for adults; free for youth

 - Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec), ages 13+

 - Prizes: The top photo nabs $5,000, while additional category winners snag smaller cash prizes or gear. You might even see your photo in Audubon magazine or on their website, motivating more folks to appreciate (and save) the birds around us.

3. National Wildlife Photo Contest

The National Wildlife Federation encourages shutterbugs to showcase Earth’s most astonishing critters - mammals, birds, insects, and beyond - alongside landscapes and people connecting with nature. Every entry supports conservation, making this contest a feel-good move for both your portfolio and the planet.

National Wildlife Photo Contest Information: 

- Website: PhotoContest.nwf.org

- Deadline: Typically late March

- Entry Fee: Tiered fees (e.g., $15 for a single entry, up to $25 for multiple), supporting the National Wildlife Federation

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Anyone 13 or older, worldwide

- Prizes: The grand prize is around $5,000, with additional cash rewards and publication in National Wildlife magazine. There’s even a people’s choice award voted on by fellow nature enthusiasts.

4. Nature’s Best Photography International Awards

Few accolades scream “nature photography royalty” quite like Nature’s Best. They partner with major institutions (sometimes even the Smithsonian) to exhibit top images of wildlife, landscapes, and conservation stories. If you dream of sharing your shots with museum-goers, this is the perfect launch pad.

Nature’s Best Photography International Awards Information: 

- Website: NaturesBestPhotography.org

- Deadline: Often end of March

- Entry Fee: $30 for adults; free for under-18 entrants

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Global, open to amateurs and professionals

- Prizes: The grand prize can be $5,000, with category winners scoring cash or gear. Selections appear in Nature’s Best Photography magazine, and many finalists see their work in world-class exhibitions.

5. BigPicture Natural World Photography CompetitionHosted by the California Academy of Sciences, this contest is all about highlighting the grandeur and fragility of life on Earth. Categories range from aquatic life to artful nature shots - so bring on those glowing jellyfish scenes or moody forest vistas.

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition Information:

- Website: BigPictureCompetition.org

- Deadline: Typically early March

- Entry Fee: $25 for up to 10 single images; $15 for photo stories

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Open worldwide, amateurs and pros

- Prizes: A $5,000 grand prize, plus category winners earn $1,000 each. Winners are showcased in a dedicated exhibit at the Academy in San Francisco, meaning you’ll get museum-level eyes on your work.

6. Share the Experience Photo Contest

This is the official photo contest of America’s federal lands, from national parks to wildlife refuges. Got epic shots of sunrise over the Grand Canyon or a peaceful moment on BLM land? Send them in! It’s a wonderful way to pay tribute to the places we love exploring.

Share the Experience Photo Contest Info: 

- Website: ShareTheExperience.org

- Deadline: Usually December 31, with winners announced the following year

- Entry Fee: Free

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: U.S. residents, amateurs only, ages 13+

- Prizes: Over $25,000 in cash and gear, including a hefty $10,000 grand prize. Top photos might land on the annual Federal Recreational Lands Pass—a real bucket-list honor for an outdoor photographer.

7. Sony World Photography Awards

One of the biggest, most prestigious photography competitions on Earth. Whether you shoot captivating single images or craft entire series, there’s a category for you. Winners are exhibited in London, published in a collectible book, and often go on a global tour.

Sony World Photography Awards Info: 

- Website: WorldPhoto.org

- Deadline: Varies by category; Open and Youth often close in early January, Professional a bit later

- Entry Fee: Free

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Worldwide, amateurs to pros (separate divisions)

- Prizes: The professional grand prize can be $25,000, while the open category can snag $5,000. Sony gear, big-time media coverage, and an invite to a swanky awards ceremony are all part of the allure.

8. Nikon Photo Contest

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With a history dating back to the late ’60s, Nikon’s contest draws hundreds of thousands of submissions. It’s wide open to every genre - from cityscapes to macro marvels - because all that matters is you express creativity.

Nikon Photo Contest Info: 

- Website: Nikon-PhotoContest.com

- Deadline: Usually mid-February (check official site for 2025 window)

- Entry Fee: Free

- Eligibility: Worldwide, amateurs and pros of any age

- Prizes: Gear, gear, gear! Expect cameras from Nikon’s cutting-edge Z-series and sometimes cash. If you take top honors, your photo or short series is celebrated by a massive online audience and you’ll join a storied roster of Nikon award-winners.

9. International Photography Awards (IPA)

The IPA is a cornerstone of the Lucie Foundation, which hosts the glittering Lucie Awards. Win here and you might find yourself in NYC, rubbing shoulders with gallery owners and major press. Plus, they cover nearly every genre you can imagine, from nature to fine art to advertising.

International Photography Awards Info: 

- Website: PhotoAwards.com

- Deadline: Often late June for the final call

- Entry Fee: Paid (around $30–$55 per entry for non-professionals; higher for pros)

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Global, with separate divisions for amateurs, professionals, and students

- Prizes: Amateur “Discovery of the Year” wins around $5,000, while the pro “Photographer of the Year” takes $10,000. Category winners get smaller cash amounts, trophies, and invitations to the Lucie Awards gala.

10. CEWE Photo Award

Dubbed “the world’s largest photo competition,” CEWE embraces a broad theme - “Our world is beautiful.” With categories like Landscapes, Architecture, and Food, you’ll have plenty of latitude to submit your best images. They also donate to charity for every submission.

CEWE Photo Award Info:

- Website: CEWEPhotoAward.com

- Deadline: Usually late May

- Entry Fee: Free

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Open to all, age 18+ (plus a separate youth category)

- Prizes: The winner might score a dream vacation, top-tier photo equipment, and CEWE vouchers (totaling tens of thousands of euros). There are also hundreds of smaller prizes all the way down the line—so there are a lot of happy photographers each year!

11. Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Organized by the Natural History Museum in London, WPY is the granddaddy of wildlife photo contests. If you’ve captured breathtaking wildlife photography - a polar bear perched on pack ice or a jungle cat on the prowl—this competition has the prestige to match your shot.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Info: 

- Website: NHM.ac.uk/WPY

- Deadline: Typically closes in early December for the following year’s awards

- Entry Fee: Around £30 for adults; free for under-18

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Worldwide, amateurs to pros

- Prizes: The overall adult winner snags around £10,000, plus that iconic “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” title. Young winners also get cash and a trophy. A traveling exhibit showcases the best of the best around the globe.

12. Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

A little humor can go a long way in conservation. This delightfully fun contest collects the world’s funniest wildlife moments—think cross-eyed owls or hippos seemingly cracking a joke. It’s all about raising awareness for animal welfare while giving us a good chuckle.

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Info: 

- Website: ComedyWildlifePhoto.com

- Deadline: Typically late June

- Entry Fee: Free

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Open to all; youth categories available

- Prizes: The overall winner pockets an amazing safari experience in Africa, plus other sponsor goodies. Even better: finalists and category winners often go viral worldwide, shining a spotlight on the hilarious side of wild creatures.

13. Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY)

Ready to show off your globe-trotting captures? TPOTY is dedicated to the spirit of travel photography, with categories spanning cultural stories, landscapes, wildlife, and street photography abroad. Win, and you’ll be featured in top-tier exhibitions and possibly a sumptuous photobook.

Travel Photographer of the Year Info: 

- Website: TPOTY.com

- Deadline: Typically opens in spring, ends late in the year

- Entry Fee: Varies by category (often £8–£15), with portfolio-based entries costing a bit more

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Global, all skill levels, plus a youth division

- Prizes: Top honors may include a fancy camera setup, dream vacations, or photo workshops in bucket-list destinations. Youth winners often earn top-notch gear or educational bursaries.

14. Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition

Got a story to tell about towering peaks, mountain cultures, or high-altitude adventures? This contest, part of the famed Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, wants photo essays (3–5 images) that spin a captivating narrative about the mountain world.

Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition Info: 

- Website: BanffCentre.ca/Film-Fest/Competitions/Photo-Essay

- Deadline: Usually early May

- Entry Fee: Free

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Open globally to amateurs and professionals

- Prizes: The top essay takes home $3,000 CAD—and an esteemed feature spot during the Banff Film and Book Festival. Combine your love of storytelling, nature, and climbing ropes in one adrenaline-packed submission.

15. LensCulture Portrait Awards

Portraits aren’t just about faces -they’re about stories. LensCulture celebrates human expression in all forms: studio shoots, street captures, conceptual art, and everything in between. You’ll have a chance to be discovered by a jury of renowned editors and curators.

LensCulture Portrait Awards Photography Contests: 

- Website: LensCulture.com/portrait-awards-2025

- Deadline: Often early April

- Entry Fee: $35–$50, though a free single-image option is typically available

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Global

- Prizes: Around $10,000 is split among top winners, plus major exposure via exhibitions, portfolio reviews, online features, and even write-ups by big-name media. A single winning portrait can open big doors.

16. World Press Photo Contest

World Press Photo is the ultimate stage for impactful images telling real-world stories - from breaking news to long-term social projects. If you’re documenting the raw edges of our society, environment, or cultures, this is your chance to gain global recognition.

World Press Photo Contest Info: 

- Website: WorldPressPhoto.org

- Deadline: Typically early January

- Entry Fee: Free

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Pro photojournalists and documentary photographers

- Prizes: Regional and global winners often receive a small cash award (around €5,000 for top spots), plus a trip to the World Press Photo Festival in Amsterdam. Winners are showcased in a traveling exhibition that stops in 45+ countries.

17. Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY)

Feather fanatics, rejoice! This is the contest if your memory cards are full of hawks in flight, hummingbirds sipping nectar, and every other spectacular avian moment. It even supports conservation efforts with a share of proceeds.

Bird Photographer of the Year Info:

- Website: BirdPOTY.com

- Deadline: Usually early December for the next year’s awards

- Entry Fee: Paid for adults (~£30/10 images); free youth entry

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Global, open to amateurs and professionals

- Prizes: The overall winner can nab around £5,000 plus the official Bird Photographer of the Year title. Category victors score gear or smaller cash prizes, and your image could wind up in their annual collectible photo book.

18. Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY)

Dive into this specialized realm if you love capturing marine life, coral reefs, eerie wrecks, or the swirling ballet of fish schools. UPY’s judging panel is jam-packed with legendary ocean photographers, making it a dream stage for aquatic artistry.

Underwater Photographer of the Year Info: 

- Website: UnderwaterPhotographerOfTheYear.com

- Deadline: Typically early January

- Entry Fee: ~£20 for adults (up to 15 images); free for certain youth or British-water categories

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Global, any underwater shots

- Prizes: Rather than heaps of cash, winners usually receive top-of-the-line dive and camera gear, plus that coveted “Underwater Photographer of the Year” crown. They also publish a yearbook showcasing all winners—an oceanic treasure in itself.

19. Monochrome Photography Awards

ThThe Midnight Mountain Camera Strap

If the stark drama of black-and-white photography sets your heart aflutter, Monochrome Awards is your jam. Whether it’s moody landscapes or high-contrast portraits, they celebrate the artistry of light and shadow.

Monochrome Photography Awards Info: 

- Website: MonochromeAwards.com

- Deadline: Typically mid-November

- Entry Fee: Paid (around $20–$30 per amateur entry)

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Worldwide, with pro and amateur divisions

- Prizes: The top amateur is dubbed “Monochrome Discovery of the Year,” taking home $1,000, while the pro winner gets $2,000. Winners also see their work showcased online and in a special awards book—no color needed for a lasting impression.

20. Mobile Photography Awards (MPA)

Prove you don’t need fancy gear to snap a masterpiece. MPA focuses on smartphone photography across categories like street, landscape, portrait, wildlife, and abstract. It’s perfect if your best pictures are spontaneous iPhone captures out on the trail.

Mobile Photography Awards Info: 

- Website: MobilePhotoAwards.com

- Deadline: Usually late December, with winners announced early the next year

- Entry Fee: About $15 per image, or discounted bundles

- Online Photography Contest Eligibility: Global, images must be shot (and edited) on a mobile device

- Prizes: The grand prize is around $3,000, plus sponsor goodies and a traveling gallery exhibition. Category winners earn cash or gear, and the chance to strut their mobile photography stuff to a worldwide audience.

Final Thoughts on Online Photography Contests in 2025

Photography contests in 2025 and beyond do more than offer a chance at cash and gear- they motivate us to explore new destinations, hone our craft, and appreciate our planet’s beauty. We at Wildtree encourage you to pick the contests that ignite your passion, then grab your camera (or phone!) and set off on a photographic odyssey.

Who knows? Your next shot might take home the grand prize, or at least inspire someone else to venture outside and see the world through fresh eyes.

Good luck, and happy shooting!