Five More Photography Contests to Enter in 2026

As 2025 is wrapping up, we’re already looking forward to 2026’s photography contests. If you haven’t found your favorites in our previous contest roundup, we bring you five more top photo competitions you should definitely add to your calendar.

Ranging across various topics, these contests offer a chance to win impressive prizes, gain international exposure, and share your visual stories with the world. So, let’s dive in and pick your favorite.

1. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2026

Opens: March 14, 2026

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards returns in 2026 with its signature blend of humor and conservation. This globally loved competition invites photographers to capture the funniest, most unexpected moments in the animal kingdom. But it’s not just about laughs. The contest also highlights wildlife preservation, partnering with organizations like the Whitley Fund for Nature to support real-world conservation efforts.

Past entries have always made us smile, and on occasion, even laugh out loud. Personally, this is one of my favorite contests, and I’m already looking forward to the 2026 edition.

[Related Reading: Dancing Gorilla Steals the Show at Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2025]

2. Siena International Photo Awards (SIPA) 2026

Open Now – Closes: January 9, 2026

The Siena International Photo Awards (SIPA) is one of the top photography contests, and is already accepting entries for its 2026 edition. This prestigious contest celebrates excellence across diverse categories: from landscapes and architecture to documentary and people. With its roots in the Italian city of Siena, the competition draws thousands of entries each year from photographers in over 150 countries.

Winning SIPA can place your work on an international stage, with a high-profile exhibition and gala award ceremony in Siena.

[Related Reading: Heartbreaking war photo wins 2024 Siena Creative Photo Awards]

3. Astronomy Photographer of the Year 18

Opens: January 2026

Run by the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year is the ultimate contest for astrophotography lovers. And for what is worth, one of my personal favorites – I can never get enough of cosmic wonder. Whether you’re capturing lunar eclipses, nebulae, or the Milky Way from your backyard, this competition welcomes photos that explore the vast beauty of our universe.

Open to all ages and skill levels, the 2026 edition promises to dazzle with celestial images that inspire awe and curiosity. In addition to prize money, winning entries are featured in a stunning exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London.

[Related Reading: ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 Shines With Mesmerizing Andromeda Galaxy Portrait]

4. Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY) 2026

Opens: February 23, 2026 – Closes: May 24, 2026

If spending time in nature with your camera is close to your heart, the Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY) is definitely one of the top photography contests for you. This European-based competition emphasizes storytelling, conservation, and artistic vision. It includes categories such as Birds, Mammals, Landscapes, Man and Nature, and Youth.

Winning NPOTY doesn’t just offer cash prizes and a featured spot in the contest’s hardback photo book. Like Comedy Wildlife,  it also helps promote nature conservation, with part of the proceeds supporting environmental causes. It’s the perfect platform if you want to make an impact through your work.

[Related Reading: Nature Photographer of the Year 2025: Surreal Reflection of Bird in Flight Takes Top Spot]

5. Hasselblad Masters 2026

Open Now – Closes: February 28, 2026

The Hasselblad Masters 2026 is a free-to-enter, world-class photography contest open to professional photographers using any camera system. Winners of this prestigious title will receive a Hasselblad X2D II 100C, two XCD lenses, €5,000, and the title of Hasselblad Master.

This year’s contest features seven categories: Landscape, Portrait, Street, Architecture, Art, Project // 21 (for photographers 21 and under), and Wildlife. Photographers can submit up to three images per category and enter multiple categories.

Submissions are judged on creativity, composition, technical skill, and conceptual depth. Finalists will be announced in April 2026, with public voting and jury evaluations determining the winners by June 30. Winning work will be featured in the Hasselblad Masters Photography Book and across Hasselblad’s global platforms, ensuring wide recognition.

Bonus: Mini Hoopers: America’s Cutest Pet Ballers

Open Now – Closes: January 16, 2026

Looking for something a little different (and a lot more adorable)? The Action Network has launched a fun, lighthearted photo contest called Mini Hoopers: America’s Cutest Pet Ballers. This nationwide competition invites U.S. pet owners to submit a single photo of their furry friend in a basketball-inspired moment — think paws on the ball, slam-dunk poses, or even sideline cheerleader flair.

With a grand prize of $3,000, it’s a great opportunity to show off your pet’s MVP energy. The contest receives submissions from December 16, 2025, until January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM ET). Submissions are judged on creativity, originality, and how well they fit the playful “Mini Hoopers” theme. If you’re into sports, pets, or both, this one’s for you.

Why Enter These Top Photo Contests in 2026?

Photography contests like these don’t just offer cash and gear. They also offer credibility, community, and creative motivation and inspiration. All of these competitions are platforms where your work can be seen, celebrated, and remembered. They also cover plenty of different topics and categories, so I believe everyone can find the contest that suits them best.

So, mark your calendar, polish your portfolio, and share your unique perspective with the world. Let 2026 be your year to shine! Which one will you enter first? 

---