Top Photography Contests for Beginners to Boost Your Portfolio

Image Source: Adobe Stock

In short...

Amateur Photography Competitions: Explore the Sony World Photography Awards for global recognition and the Smithsonian Photo Contest for accessible entry.

Tips for Success: Shoot specifically for contests, research winners, ensure compliant editing, and plan meticulously.

Beyond the Awards: Participating offers an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and challenge yourself creatively.

Want to share your work with the world and elevate your portfolio in the process? Photography contests for beginners offer an incredible opportunity to challenge your creativity, gain exposure, and receive valuable feedback. In this guide, we share the best amateur photography competitions, plus insider tips to boost your chances of success!

Why Participate in Photography Contests?

Photography contests for new photographers offer some serious benefits beyond just the prizes.

• Gain Exposure & Recognition: Get your work seen by global audiences, industry pros, and potential clients.
• Receive Professional Feedback: Gain valuable critiques from experienced judges, helping you improve.
• Build a Strong Portfolio: Contests push you to create new, high-quality work, making portfolio-building photography contests incredibly valuable.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow photographers and industry insiders, fostering collaborations.

Image Source: Bantersnaps - Unsplash & Adobe Stock

6 Best Photography Contests for Beginners

Ready to take that next big step in your photography journey? Use this curated list of the best photography contests for beginners to get your work seen and your portfolio thriving.

Competition #1: The Sony World Photography Awards

One of the most prestigious global photography competitions, the Sony World Photography Awards are free to enter and very inclusive. It's a great platform for new photographers to gain global recognition.

Entry Requirements

Submission: Upload your images directly via the World Photography Organisation website by following their on-screen instructions.

Categories: The Awards offer three categories for beginners: the Open Competition (for single images), the Student Competition (for photography students), and the Youth Competition (for photographers under 19).

Subcategories: Within these, you'll find many subcategories including Architecture, Landscape, Portraiture, Sport, and Wildlife photography.

Awards & Prizes

• Cash Prizes: Win cash awards up to $5,000 USD for Open winners or $25,000 USD for Professional category winners.
• Sony Equipment: Prizes include high-quality camera gear from Sony to level up your toolkit.
• Prestigious Exhibitions: Gain the chance for your work to be showcased in renowned global exhibitions.

Tips for Success

• Choose Wisely: Select a category that genuinely suits your photographic style.
• Technical Expertise: Ensure your submissions are sharp, well-exposed, and meticulously edited.

Competition #2: The Nikon Small World Competition

Prestigious and long-running, the Nikon Small World Competition celebrates photomicrography: creative and scientific photography taken through a light microscope.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility: Open internationally to individuals 18+. No Nikon equipment is required.

Submission: Enter online via their official portal and submit up to three still images.

Details: Images must be from light microscopy (no electron or macro), original, and not previously recognised in other photomicrography contests.

Awards & Prizes

• Publication & Exposure: Feature in global media, scientific journals, and the Nikon online gallery.
• Exhibit Tour: Opportunity for winning images to be showcased in a global exhibition.

Tips for Success

• Technical & Visual Impact: Focus on originality, strong informational content, technical proficiency, and significant visual impact.
• Follow Rules Closely: Adhere strictly to light microscopy requirements and submission guidelines.

Competition #3: The International Photography Awards

The International Photography Awards is one of the world's largest and most prestigious global photography competitions, open to professional, amateur, and student photographers. It's a prime platform for new photographers to gain recognition across a range of niches.

Entry Requirements

Submission Process: Submit images online via the official IPA website. Multiple entries across categories are allowed, usually for a small fee.

Choose Your Category: Numerous subcategories like Advertising, Fine Art, and Nature, make this one of the best portfolio-building photography contests.

Awards & Prizes

• Gain Exposure: Winning entries are published in the IPA Annual Book and featured in major global exhibitions.
• Cash Prizes: Non-professional category winners can earn up to $5,000 USD via the "Discovery of the Year Award."

Tips for Success

• Focus on Storytelling: Create images with strong narratives or emotions that resonate.
• Quality over Quantity: Prioritise high-quality, impactful individual shots or cohesive series.

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Competition #4: The LensCulture Photography Awards

Recognised for fostering originality, the LensCulture Photography Awards is perfect for amateur photographers and emerging talent. These awards celebrate innovative storytelling across genres.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility: Open worldwide to photographers 18+, with no professional status required.

Submission: Submit images or series online via the LensCulture portal.

Awards & Prizes

• Cash Prizes: Opportunity for significant cash awards (up to $5,000 USD cash + equipment credit).
• Prestigious Publication: Featured in LensCulture galleries and other international photography outlets.

Tips for Success

• Reflect a Unique Vision: Showcase your personal style and artistic voice in your submissions.
• Embrace Your Originality: Focus on innovative approaches and fresh perspectives.

Competition #5: The Smithsonian Photo Contest

The Smithsonian Photo Contest is highly respected and perfect for amateur photographers. Categories include Americana, The Natural World, and People, and you’re encouraged to explore your creativity and cultural themes.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility: Open to amateur photographers aged 18+. Professionals earning more than 50% of their income from photography are not eligible.

Submission: Free entry for all categories. Submit images online via their platform.

Awards & Prizes

• High-Profile Exposure: Featured in Smithsonian Magazine and on their website, providing wide visibility.
• Cash Prizes: Grand Prize ($2,500), Category Winners ($500 each), and Reader’s Choice Award ($500).

Tips for Success

• Powerful Storytelling: Capture meaningful images with a strong narrative.
• Maintain Authenticity: Avoid digital manipulations that misrepresent the subject.

Competition #6: National Geographic Photo Contest

The National Geographic Photo Contest showcases stunning imagery of nature, travel, and culture. It offers amateur photographers and professionals year-round opportunities to share their best work and gain international recognition.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility: Open worldwide to photographers 18+. Amateur photographers are encouraged to compete directly with professionals.

Types of Contests: Features various themed contests annually, including Travel Photographer of the Year and Nature Photographer of the Year.

Awards & Prizes

• Global Recognition: Gain invaluable exposure via National Geographic Magazine, their website, and other media.
• Significant Prizes: Opportunities to win cash, photography gear, and invitations to exclusive events.
• Level Playing Field: Compete based purely on quality, originality, and storytelling, regardless of professional status.

Tips for Success

• Powerful Storytelling: Capture images with strong narratives that connect emotionally.
• Technical Excellence & Originality: Strive for impeccable quality combined with a unique perspective.

Image Source: Karsten Wurth - Unsplash

Beginner Photography Competition Calendar

Never miss another opportunity with this handy photography contest calendar! Exact deadlines vary, so remember to check the details prior to submission.

January: Sony World Photography Awards - Free entry, open to amateur photographers worldwide

February: Amateur Photographer of the Year - Open to all non-professionals with a free youth category

March: Photocrowd Monthly Themed Contests - Monthly themed contests, open to amateurs of all levels

April: Nikon Small World Competition - Open internationally to anyone with a light microscope. Amateurs are encouraged

May: Amateur Photographer of the Year - Season begins in May with monthly rounds through to February

June: Life Framer Monthly Contests - Monthly international contests with rotating themes, open to all experience levels

July: Life Framer (Nature-focused) - Nature-focused contest, suitable for amateurs and professionals alike

August: Philo Photo Contest - Open worldwide to amateur photographers 18+; themed around abstract and conceptual ideas

September: Anthology Magazine Photography Competition - Open to photographers of all levels. Standalone image required

October: Fine Art Photography Awards - Amateur and professional divisions. Multiple categories like abstract and landscape

November: Smithsonian Photo Contest - Free to enter. Open to amateur photographers globally

December: Annual Photography Awards - International competition with wide category options, open to amateurs of all levels

How to Prepare for Photography Competitions

Entering photography contests for beginners is all about preparation, practice, and patience. Here are some expert tips to maximise your chances of success.

• Shoot for the Contest: Create new work tailored to the contest theme for relevance and impact.
• Research Past Winners & Judges: Study previous winning images and juror comments to understand what resonates.
• Be Bold & Stand Out: Take creative risks and offer unexpected, fresh perspectives to captivate the judges.
• Master Editing Compliance: Understand and adhere to all contest rules regarding post-processing to avoid disqualification.
• Planning & Flawless: Stay organised, plan well in advance, and check all submission details for a stress-free, compliant entry.

Tips by PI Tutor George Seper

If taken seriously, entering photography competitions has many positive benefits for the aspiring photographer. To be most effective, you should enter and engage with each competition using the same mindset and diligence you’d muster for a highly paid photo assignment for a discerning client. The benefits are many, and all have the potential to improve your portfolio.

Image Source: PI Tutor George Seper - Georgeseper.com

My top benefits of Photo Competitions:

• The prospect of rejection or failure is daunting for everyone, and since all of us will likely lose more competitions than we win, failure can be viewed in a more positive light, as part of our artistic progression.
• The photography world is a competitive one, and not all of us are born competitive by nature. Entering competitions can help to release the competitive spirit within us.
• Many competitions come with quite strict rules, and learning to follow precise instructions will later assist when following a client’s briefing.
• If you enter competitions outside of your normal area of interest, you might discover a latent passion and ability for different subjects.
• Working at your highest level will highlight your strengths and weaknesses, which can be played to or strengthened, respectively.
• Entering competitions outside of your normal area of interest can help to diversify the scope of your portfolio and broaden your skills.
• Entering every competition with a view to winning will, over time, fill your folio with images that represent the best of your abilities.

Image Source: PI Tutor George Seper - Georgeseper.com

PI TUTOR

George Seper

Photography Tutor at The Photography Institute

Internationally respected, George Seper has been photographing food for over 30 years. He is the longest continuous contributor to Vogue Entertaining and Travel, who recently commissioned him to photograph their 30th Anniversary cover among other features.

Read Full Bio

Published: August 20 2025

The Real Value of Amateur Photography Competitions

Photography contests for beginners offer much more than the thrill of winning. They’re a powerful way to fuel your creativity, gain valuable feedback from industry experts, and strengthen your portfolio. Don't let the fear of not winning hold you back. Every submission is a step forward!

When you’re ready to turn your passion into a thriving career, The Photography Institute's professional photography courses offer an online learning model so you can study at your own pace. Benefit from the industry insights of our tutors and hands-on assignments designed to build a powerful, job-ready portfolio. Download our prospectus to learn more.