Overview of Notable Photography Contests

Travel photography contests in 2023 offer diverse opportunities for photographers to showcase their work. Here are some notable competitions:

  • Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY): Offers multiple categories. Founder Chris Coe advises submitting best images that adhere to the theme.
  • 25th Annual Travel Photo Contest: Open to U.S. amateur photographers. Photos must be taken between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Original images required; AI and heavily manipulated photos not accepted.
  • National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition: Includes categories like Food and Travel, People, and Landscape. Open to both amateur and professional submissions.
  • Tokyo International Foto Awards: Caters to experienced and new photographers, offering multiple categories and monetary rewards.
  • reFocus Awards – Black & White Photo Awards: Provides a dedicated platform for black and white enthusiasts.
  • CAP Prize: Focuses on African photography.
  • Earth.Org Global Photography Competition: Highlights wildlife and nature.
  • Chromatic Awards: Celebrates vivid photography.
  • Monochrome Photo Awards: Engages black and white enthusiasts with cash rewards.

Benefits of Entering Photography Contests

Participating in photography contests offers significant advantages beyond competition:

  1. Exposure: Showcasing work alongside peers and mentors on renowned platforms or niche contests can lead to new connections and collaborations.
  2. Networking: Contests gather diverse communities of photographers, judges, and enthusiasts, enabling participants to build relationships, share insights, and learn from professionals.
  3. Professional Growth: The process of curating work, adhering to guidelines, and meeting deadlines develops discipline and artistic acumen.
  4. Portfolio Enhancement: Recognition in prominent competitions can set photographers apart in a competitive field.
  5. Confidence Boost: Whether through monetary prizes or acknowledgment of talent, these contests can significantly impact career trajectories and inspire photographers to explore and push boundaries.

In essence, photography contests serve as catalysts for personal and professional development, offering a gateway to recognition and growth in the dynamic landscape of creative expression.

A group of diverse photographers networking and discussing their work at a photography exhibition

Tips for Standing Out in Photography Contests

To make your submission stand out, combine originality, storytelling, and technical excellence:

  • Originality: Step outside conventional boundaries, experiment with unexpected angles, or focus on overlooked details that tell a unique story.
  • Storytelling: Convey emotion within a single frame. Judges seek images that evoke a sense of place and time, transporting the viewer.
  • Technical excellence: Master basics like composition, exposure, and focus. Use tools like tripods or reflectors to achieve the best possible output.
"Enter your best not your favourite image, stick to the category brief/theme, and ask someone else's opinion about your image choice – it's surprising what fresh eyes can see."
– Chris Coe, founder of Travel POTY

Learn from past winners and seek judges' insights for a competitive edge. Many judges advise photographers to be critical of their work and select images that fit the competition's theme.

Embrace contests as learning opportunities, regardless of the outcome. Each submission builds confidence, hones skills, and expands your understanding of visual storytelling. The journey of experimentation and effort is as rewarding as winning, reflecting your creativity and dedication in every frame.

A photographer lying on the ground to capture a unique low-angle shot of a famous landmark

Photography contests are platforms for growth and recognition, offering exposure, networking opportunities, and personal development. As you engage with the community of photographers and judges, view each contest as a chance to refine your skills and tell compelling stories through your lens.

A photographer critically reviewing and organizing their portfolio of travel images
  1. Amateur Photographer. Amazing images win through in Travel Photographer of the Year. Amateur Photographer.
  2. National Geographic Traveller (UK). National Geographic Traveller Photography Competition winners revealed. National Geographic Traveller (UK).
  3. Overseas Adventure Travel. Enter Our Traveler Photo Contest. Overseas Adventure Travel.
  4. The Washington Post. 25th annual Travel photo contest. The Washington Post.