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How to Find Photography Contests for Your Specialty - By Char Webster

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1. Use Niche-Specific Platforms

  • Nature/Landscape: Look at sites like Nature's Best Photography, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, or Outdoor Photographer.

  • Portrait: Try Portrait of Humanity by 1854 Media (also behind British Journal of Photography).

  • Street/Documentary: LensCulture, Magnum Photography Awards, and Miami Street Photography Festival.

  • Fine Art/Creative: ND Awards, IPA (International Photography Awards), or Fine Art Photography Awards.

2. Search Contest Aggregator Sites:  These sites list contests across genres:

Filter by category or tags like “macro,” “black and white,” “travel,” etc.

3. Follow Industry Hubs

  • Follow Instagram accounts like @photocontests, @photocompete, or @shoot_the_frame.

  • Join Facebook groups or Reddit communities (e.g., r/photocritique or r/photocontests).

  • Sub to photography newsletters like from 500px, Fstoppers, or PetaPixel.

4. Check with Photography Associations

Organizations like:

  • PSA (Photographic Society of America)

  • FIAP (Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique)

  • National Geographic’s Your Shot

They often have themed calls for entries.

 

Top Photography Contests for Portfolio-Boosting Recognition

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These are respected names that look great in a portfolio—even if you “only” get a shortlist or honorable mention:

🔹 LensCulture Awards

  • Multiple categories: Portrait, Street, Art, Emerging Talent, etc.

  • Known for: Industry exposure, printed exhibitions, and photo reviews.

  • Website: lensculture.com/competitions

🔹 Sony World Photography Awards

  • Global, open to pros and amateurs.

  • Shortlisted photos often go on international tours.

  • Categories from documentary to still life.

  • worldphoto.org

🔹 PhotoVogue (by Vogue Italia)

  • Run through Picter; known for strong curatorial selection.

  • Great for fine art, fashion, portrait, or creative/editorial photography.

  • Aimed at serious visual storytellers.

  • PhotoVogue platform

🔹 British Journal of Photography (1854 Media)

  • Competitions like Portrait of Humanity, Female in Focus, Decade of Change.

  • Winners get published, featured in gallery exhibitions, or land editorials.

  • 1854.photography

🔹 The Independent Photographer

🔹 Magnum Photography Awards

  • Organized by Magnum + LensCulture.

  • Highly competitive, great exposure if selected.

  • Especially great for documentary, street, and portrait.

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