January Photo Contests

At the beginning of each month Bird in Flight updates you about photo contests for both professional photographers and photography lovers.

Deadline: January 11, 2017.
No entry fee.
Award: participation in the WPP travelling exhibition.

One of the most prestigious documentary photography contests. To participate, one has to get registered on the website by January 6, and submit their works by January 11, 2017. Submissions are accepted in eight categories, including “News”, “Contemporary Issues”, “People” and “Sport.”

Deadline: January 24, 2017.
Entry fee: $20 for one image, $50 for five.
Award: $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 vouchers for photography equipment.

Photo contest organized by the Nikonians website in collaboration with LensCulture. All applicants who submit five or more images will get a portfolio review from the jury members.

Deadline: January 25, 2017.
No entry fee for Aperture subscribers.
Award: $3,000 and an exhibition at Aperture Gallery in New York.

Yearly portfolio contest from Aperture magazine. This time to participate one has to become a print subscriber of the publication ($75 to $105 per year depending on location); the winner will be chosen by Aperture’s editors.

Deadline: January 31, 2017.
Entry fee: $30 for three images, $5 per each additional one.
Award: $10,000 for the main winner, $2,000 and $1,500 for two runner-ups.

Open theme photography contest. One participant can submit up to 20 images, winners will be announced on March 31, 2017.

Deadline: January 31, 2017.
No entry fee.
Award: $8,000 for the first prize, $5,000 for the second prize and $3,000 for the third prize in each category.

Istanbul Photo Awards accepts submissions (both single images and photo series) in six categories. Among the jury members – Getty Images’ Sports Photographer Cameron Spencer and National Geographic Magazine’s Director of Photography Sarah Leen. The best photograph among the first prize categories winners’ works will be awarded with a separate prize of $10,000. Photographers under 28 will be evaluated in a separate category – the best one will receive a prize of $3,000.

Deadline: February 5, 2017.
Entry fee: £25 for five images, £5 for each additional one.
Award: £5,000 for the Grand Prize winner, £1,000 for the category winners.

A well-respected food photography contest accepts submissions in 22 categories. The jury consisting of chefs, publishers, photographers, entrepreneurs and writers is chaired by journalist and food critic Jay Rayner.

Deadline: February 19, 2017
Entry fee: $20-25 for amateurs, $25-30 for professionals.
Award: $3,000 for the professional category and $2,000 for the winner among amateurs.

Fine art photography contest. Single images and photography projects are accepted in twenty categories.

Deadline: February 28, 2017.
Entry fee: €20 to €50.
Award: €2,500 and €1,500 for two best projects, €1,000 for the best single image.

Photography contest dedicated to the idea of conflict in economics, politics, religion, and other crises.

Deadline: March 6, 2017.
Entry fee: $10 before January 15, $14 after.
Award: $6,000 for the overall winner, $1,000 for category winners, a trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Travel photography contest accepts submissions in four categories: Landscape & Environment”, “People & Culture”, “Street” and “Travel & Documentary.” Winning photographs and 45 best submissions will be exhibited at the White Box Gallery in Kuala Lumpur from April 27 till May 7, 2017.