Photo contests provide excellent opportunities, not just for prize money and exposure, they're also a great tool for self-improvement. Whether you're a seasoned pro or you're just looking to dip your toes into the waters of photo contests, we've got you covered. Use this list of available contests, and start getting rewarded for all your hard work.
World Shootout
Submission Deadline November 1, 2023
World Shootout has 9 categories to choose from, including a category specifically for amateurs. Contestants can enter their photos in categories ranging from Wide Angle to Macro and Blackwater, this underwater photo contest also requires participants to sign an environmental conservation commitment. That's a sentiment we can get behind. Learn more.
Monochrome Awards
Submission Deadline November 12, 2023
Do you love black and white photography? This is the competition for you. There are a range of categories available for submission, with the only rule being that all images must be black and white. Need some tips? Check out this Black and White Conversion for Underwater Photography Article. Learn more.
The Ocean Art 2022 Underwater Photography Competition
Submission Deadline November 30, 2023
With over $110,000 in prizes Ocean Art is not just a great way to win some cash to fund your next dive trip, it's also a fantastic way to gain exposure among the dive community. With 14 categories, there are multiple opportunities to win and gain the notoriety you deserve! Learn more.
Sony World Photography Awards
Submission Deadline - Category Dependent
With top prize at $25,000 (Professional Category) Sony World Photography Awards offers four competitions for differing levels: Professional (deadline January 12, 2024), Open (deadline January 5, 2024), Youth (deadline January 5, 2024), and Student (deadline November 30, 2023). This is a great opportunity to win money, equipment, and notoriety. Learn more.
Fine Art Photography Awards
Submission Deadline February 11, 2024
Fine Art Photography Awards offers 20 categories for submission divided by Professional and Amateur divisions, top prizes are $3000 and $2000 respectively. Winners will also have their work showcased at the Winners Gallery and can expect international press and publicity. Learn more.
The Underwater Photo Contest
Submission Deadline - Weekly, Monthly, and Annual deadlines
Underwaterphotography.com offers a number of different photo competitions with winners selected on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis as well as a Peoples' Choice winner. This is a long running competition that allows you to enter up to 30 photos per month. Learn more.
GuruShots - The World's Greatest Photo Contest
Rolling Submissions - No Deadline
GuruShots offers a truly unique framework for their photo competition. There's a new photo challenge everyday and competitions are judged by the community. You can graduate through the rankings earning badges, like a video game. This competition provides an opportunity to connect with fellow photographers from around the globe, provides feedback from your peers, and is a great way to gain exposure among the photography community. Learn more.
Life Framer Photo Competitions
Submission Deadline end of each month
Life Framer photo competitions are excellent because they provide a new opportunity each month with interesting photo prompts. Upcoming competition categories: Colors, Home Sweet Home, and Youthhood. Learn more.
Need Inspiration?
Check out these recent contest winners and keep your eyes peeled for new photo contest entry dates.
Underwater Photographer of the Year
UPY is a renowned underwater photography competition that provides fantastic exposure opportunities for winners. Last years winners were featured in editorials by CNN and more. Official prizes have not been announced yet, but this competition is a great way to get your photos seen by a wide audience. Check out the 2023 winners here.
Houston Underwater Film Festival
The Houston Underwater Photographic Society is a non-profit organization that presents this competition aimed specifically at underwater videographers. Learn more about their film festival.
National Geographic Photo Contests
National Geographic photo competitions are ones you don't want to miss. From Instagram to travel photo contests, the Nat Geo name holds a lot of clout. Check out their previous winners.
National Wildlife Photo Contest
The National Wildlife Photo Contest began over 50 years ago and continues to celebrate the impact photography can have on conservation. There are nine categories for entry with a first place prize award of $5,000. The 2024 National Wildlife Photo Contest opens January 2024. Check out the past winners.
Dive Photo Guide Presents United Nations World Oceans Day Photography Competition
The ultimate goal of this competition is to raise awareness about underwater ethics. Winning images are presented annually at the United Nations during the World Oceans Day celebrations. See the past winners.
Through Your Lens Photo Contest
Scuba Diving magazine presents the Through Your Lens Photo Contest. With four categories open for entry, prizes range from a trip on an Aggressor Liveabord to regulators and camera equipment. Check out the past winners.
Additional Reading
Photo Contest Tips From a 100x Winner
Tips on Entering a Photo Contest
Behind the Shots: Ocean Art 2022 Winners
