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, 2022
With 12 categories to choose from, this photo competition is free to enter. 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 here.
Monochrome Awards
Submission Deadline Early July 3, 2022, Final November 13, 2022
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. Then learn more about the Monochrome Awards here.
The Ocean Art 2022 Underwater Photography Competition
Submission Deadline November 30, 2022
With over $100,000 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 here.
Sony World Photography Awards
Submission Deadline January 2, 2023
With top prize at $25,000 Sony World Photography Awards offers four competitions for differing levels: Professional, Open, Youth, and Student. This is a great opportunity to win money, equipment, and notoriety. Learn more here.
Underwater Photographer of the Year
Submissions open November 1, 2022 - Submission Deadline January 7, 2023
UPY is a renowned underwater photography competition that provides fantastic exposure opportunities for winners. Last years winners were featured in editorials by The Atlantic and Discover Wildlife. Official prizes have not been announced yet, but this competition is a great way to get your photos seen by a wide audience. Learn more here.
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 here.
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 here.
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 here.
Need Inspiration?
Check out these recent contest winners and keep your eyes peeled for new photo contest entry dates.
Ocean Art Photo Competition
Underwater Photography Guide will present its Ocean Art 2022 winners in September 2022. With 13 categories and over $35,000 in prizes from a variety of sponsors, this competition is always a hit. Check out previous 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 here.
The Nature Conservancy's Global Photo Contest
The Nature Conservancy offers a number of different photo contests from age-specific to seasonal-specific. Check out their 2021 winners here and browse their website for additional contests too.
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 here.
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. Learn more here.
"The Octographer" Octopus Photography Competition
The Explorer's Club and OctoNation are joining forces to sponsor the first global octopus photo competition. This is an open and free competition with four categories and four submissions available per photographer. Learn more here.
Dive Photo Guide Presents United Nations World Oceans Day 2022 Photography Competition
This is an open and free photo competition, its ultimate goal is to raise awareness about underwater ethics. Winning images will be presented at the United Nations during the World Oceans Day on June 8th. Learn more here.
The American Landscape 2022
Outdoor Photographer presents its 11th annual The American Landscape photo competition. Looking for some underwater landscape tips? Check this article out. Then, learn more about the photo contest here.
Through Your Lens Photo Contest
Scuba Diving magazine is back with their 2022 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. Learn more here.
Additional Reading
Competition | Ocean Art Safe Under the Sea 2019
Behind the Shot: Swirling Mobulas in Southern Baja Mexico
2018 Roatán Underwater Photo Fest Trip Report
Behind the Shots: 2020 Underwater World Shootout Finalists
British Photography Awards 2020 Shortlist
