The IPA is one of the most important photography competitions that welcomes professionals, amateurs, and photography students worldwide. It includes various types of photography, such as advertising, architecture, fine arts, nature, people, and sports. This competition aims to recognize outstanding photographers globally, discover new talents, and appreciate photography. Winners are introduced to the world through exhibitions, publications, and the annual Lucie event, a well-known non-profit charity foundation. The main professional prize of this contest is named "International Photographer of the Year,” and it is selected from the 11 professional category winners.

2. BigPicture Natural World Photography Awards 2024

This award is a great opportunity for those who love to capture the beauty of nature. The California Academy of Sciences is organizing the BigPicture Natural World Award, and its main goal is to display the beauty and diversity of life on earth through photography. There are three categories in which you can participate: terrestrial wildlife, aquatic life, and human/nature interactions.

Award-winning images will be exhibited at the Academy Museum in San Francisco to promote environmental protection and inspire ecological activism.

3. AOP Photography Awards

This contest is referred to as the Oscars of the photography world. AOP Accredited and Assisting Photographer members are eligible to enter the competition, which features ten categories: Documentary, Environment, Fashion & Beauty, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Portrait, Spaces, Sport, and Still Life & Object. The finalists are also evaluated for Best Commissioned and Best Personal work.

During the AOP Annual Showcase, winners are announced and their work is displayed. It is an excellent opportunity for photographers to gain visibility and recognition from leading commissioners and industry leaders. The awards also include the Martin Evening Excellence in Digital Retouching Award, which honors contributions to digital retouching.

IMAGO / Cavan Images

4. LensCulture Portrait Photography Awards

You don't want to miss this reputed award if you are interested in portrait photography. Professionals and students are welcome to enter and share portraits captured by them that narrate compelling stories. Award winners are featured in world exhibitions and have their work displayed in the LensCulture online gallery.

5. Fine Art Photography Awards (FAPA)

If you are a photographer looking to grow and gain new experiences in fine art photography, FAPA is one of the most prominent and respected photography contests. It's where professional and amateur photographers can show their creativity and unique perspectives. The contest has 20 categories so participants can display their specific areas of interest and skills.

The contest aims to explore modern artistic expressions and creativity. FAPA values diversity and originality, and it gives artists a chance for international credit. Winners receive titles such as Fine Art Photographer of the Year and Fine Art Discovery of the Year, along with financial awards.

6. The Monovision Photography Awards

The Monovision Photography Awards are a competition focused solely on monochrome photography. The contest is open to photographers of all backgrounds and skill levels, and there are two main categories: Black and White Photo of the Year and Black and White Series of the Year. Those selected to participate in the competition receive cash prizes, and their work is displayed in an online gallery. Winners of the MonoVisions Photography Awards will receive downloadable badges and certificates of achievement.

IMAGO / Imaginechina-Tuchong

7. Nikon’s Small World Microscopic Photography Contest

Nikon's Small World shows the beauty and complexity of life through a microscope. It's an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in both microscopy and photography. A selection of Nikon's winning images will be featured in Nikon's annual calendar and notable exhibitions.

The Photomicrography Competition appreciates the efforts in microscopic photography in various scientific fields. In 2011, the competition expanded to include the Small World in Motion category, featuring movies and digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope.

8. World Sports Photography Awards

The competition is one of the biggest and most recognized in sports photography. The festival celebrates the best of sports photography that captures the emotion, action, and drama of sports.

During the four editions, thousands of professional and semi-professional sports photographers from around the world took part in 24 sporting categories, and the winning images received global media coverage.

9. Monochrome Photography Awards

The Monochrome Photography Awards is another important contest that acknowledges black-and-white photography. It accepts entries from around the world and doesn't judge based on experience level. There are a variety of categories included, such as abstract photography, architecture, art, and portrait photography. Winners can receive titles like Monochrome Photographer of the Year or Monochrome Discovery of the Year in the professional or amateur category. Selected entries are published in the Monochrome Photography Awards annual book and gain international recognition.

10. ND Awards

The ND Awards promote photography and photographers through new opportunities to promote their work. Its trademark is a modern approach to photography coupled with respect towards tradition. The competition is open to professionals in these six categories: Architecture, Editorial, Fine Art, Nature, People, and Special, and Amateurs can also compete for the title in five categories: Architecture, Fine Art, Nature, People, and Special. In addition to cash prizes, winners receive titles and exposure as part of ND Magazine's Winners Gallery.

IMAGO / Imaginechina-Tuchong

11. World Press Global Photojournalism

The World Press Photo Contest is a notable award in photojournalism and documentary photography. The contest has different categories, including Singles, Stories, Long-Term Projects, and Open Format. An independent jury of both regional and global jurors judge the works. Winners receive cash prizes and considerable recognition, and their winning pictures are displayed in a traveling exhibition and published in an annual yearbook. The contest aims to honor photographers and raise awareness about severe global issues and the importance of press freedom.

12. Sony World Photography Awards

The Sony World Photography Awards recognize and honor the best contemporary photography from amateurs and professionals worldwide. The award covers various categories, including portraiture, landscape, wildlife, photography, and architecture. Photographers can significantly advance their careers by winning or being shortlisted for this award.

13. National Geographic Photography Contest

National Geographic photography contests are renowned for their focus on telling a story and capturing the beauty of nature. Photographers can submit their best work in categories such as nature, people, and places. Those who win this contest will have the opportunity to be recognized by National Geographic and get featured in their magazine.

IMAGO / Blue Jean Images / Lian Fei

Your participation in these contests, depending on your genre or area of interest, can lead to the exhibition of your work, awards, and recognition in photography. These photography contests provide a unique opportunity to present your work, secure exciting prizes, and boost your visibility in the photography sector. Whether you're a novice or an experienced professional, you'll find a competition tailored to your interests. Grab your camera, start capturing, and submit your finest photographs to the contests that resonate with you.

If you're embarking on a photography career or are a seasoned professional, we welcome you to join our Content Partner Photographers network, regardless of location. Simply complete our form, and one of our team members will contact you. This is your opportunity to sell your photos through IMAGO and connect with a diverse clientele worldwide.