Top 20 Photography Competitions

Are you eager to showcase your creative work to the world? Entering photography contests for beginners is one of the best ways to grow. It helps you build confidence and refine your creative skills. It also exposes your images to global audiences and industry experts.

You do not need expensive camera gear to participate. Many prestigious international contests offer dedicated amateur divisions. Others even celebrate photos shot on mobile phones.

Why Beginners Should Enter Photo Competitions

Photo contests offer valuable motivation for new creators. They challenge you to shoot with intention, curate your work, and meet strict submission deadlines.

Key Benefits for Emerging Photographers

• Global Exposure: Your work reaches professional judges, gallery curators, and art lovers.

• Skill Growth: Preparing submissions sharpens your selection and editing process.

• Prizes and Gear: Winners often receive cash awards, camera equipment, or gallery features.

• Portfolio Building: Contest wins add strong credibility to your creative resume.

Top Photography Contests for Amateurs Compared

Here is a quick overview of beginner-friendly competitions across different genres:

The 20 Best Photography Competitions to Enter

1. Sony World Photography Awards (Open Competition)

This contest is completely free to enter. The Open Competition rewards single images across ten diverse categories, making it ideal for beginners.

2. iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS)

You do not need professional gear here. This global contest celebrates stunning photos taken solely with iOS devices.

3. National Geographic Photo Contest

Submit nature, wildlife, or portrait shots. Winning entries gain massive exposure across National Geographic media channels.

4. Smithsonian Photo Contest

Organized by Smithsonian Magazine, this contest accepts entries in six categories. It is great for travel, nature, and culture shots.

5. World Press Photo Contest

This event honors powerful visual journalism. It is perfect for emerging photographers telling impactful documentary stories.

6. Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Organized by London’s Natural History Museum, it features dedicated youth and amateur divisions.

7. Mobile Photography Awards (MPA)

This contest highlights the creative power of phone cameras. It rewards talent across portraits, landscapes, and street scenes.

8. Nikon Photo Contest

Nikon has hosted this global event for over fifty years. It welcomes entries from creators using any camera brand or smartphone.

9. Monochrome Photography Awards

Showcase your skills in black and white photography. It features a dedicated amateur section with cash prizes.

10. International Photography Awards (IPA)

IPA features separate professional and non-professional divisions. It covers fine art, sports, nature, and advertising.

11. Bird Photographer of the Year

Capture birds in their natural habitats. This contest supports avian conservation and welcomes nature lovers of all levels.

12. Portrait of Humanity

Focus on human connection and cultural diversity. This global award accepts single portraits and visual stories.

13. Chromatic Awards

This international contest celebrates color photography. Categories include architecture, street life, and fashion.

14. Urban Photographer of the Year

Capture city life, architecture, and bustling streets. It rewards creative perspectives on modern urban spaces.

15. Black and White Spider Awards

This event honors monochromatic images. It gives emerging photographers high industry visibility and recognition.

16. International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Highlight natural scenery and breathtaking horizons. It rewards stunning composition and mastery of natural lighting.

17. Magnum Photos Awards

Supported by the renowned Magnum agency, this contest highlights documentary projects. It helps new talents build industry contacts.

18. International Color Awards

This competition features over 200 categories. It honors outstanding color work across all photographic genres.

19. Fine Art Photography Awards

Express your artistic vision without traditional boundaries. It caters to conceptual, abstract, and creative photographers.

20. National Audubon Society Photo Awards

Focus on birdlife and habitat preservation. Winning photos appear in Audubon magazine and nationwide exhibitions.

Step-by-Step Contest Submission Guide

Follow this structured workflow to maximize your chances of success:

Pro Tips for Winning as a Beginner

• Tell a Clear Story: Images with strong narrative elements stand out quickly to judging panels.

• Keep Composition Clean: Use the rule of thirds and leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye naturally.

• Master Natural Lighting: Shooting during golden hour adds warmth, texture, and depth to outdoor subjects.

• Be Selective: Quality matters far more than quantity. Submit only your absolute top three shots.

Final Thoughts

Entering photography contests for beginners accelerates your creative growth. It challenges you to refine your technical skills and build a standout portfolio. Choose a contest that matches your passion, submit your best work, and enjoy the journey!