| Copyright | The copyright of the materials submitted for this competition remains with the respective participants. However, each entrant grants the EEA and its partners the right to use the submitted materials in its environmental communication crediting the copyright owners. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | open to the citizens of the EU 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Türkiye; under the stabilisation and association agreements: North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The photos must be taken in the countries mentioned above. |
| Finish | 10 August 2026 |
| Entry fee | Free |
71 days left
This photo competition invites you to capture how nature underpins Europe’s resilience, how natural systems are organized and support our societies, how climate-related and human pressures disrupt this harmony, and how people are finding ways to restore and strengthen the systems we all depend on. Through your photos, we would like to see the hidden stories of nature, the moments of change, and the actions that help our planet and societies, adapt and find a new equilibrium.
Through your lens, reflect on how these challenges impact and shape the world around you.
- How do environmental challenges impact your daily life?
- What signs of positive change or action give you hope?
- Where can we see progress towards sustainability and where do we need to do better?
Whether you capture breathtaking landscapes, stark reminders of environmental degradation, moments of innovative transformation, or the small yet powerful actions taken by individuals, your photos will help tell the story of our shared future.
Categories:
Harmony
Disruption
Renewal
Prizes:
- 3 X 1000 EUR – Best photo in each category
- 500 EUR – Public Choice award
- 500 EUR – Youth Prize 18 – 24 years old
The winners of all prizes will be announced on 9 October 2026.
You may submit maximum 5 entries in the competition. Online submission of digital images via the website.
Your entry will be judged on:
- Relevance of your entry to the competition topic
- Creativity expressed
- Technical ability
- Persuasiveness of the entry
Image requirements: minimum resolution of 2000 pixels — preferably more than 4960 pixels — on the long side of the photo.
Frequently asked questions — Landscape photography contests
Who can enter landscape photography contests?
Most landscape contests welcome photographers worldwide, from enthusiasts to professionals. Many prioritize authentic location work and ethical land practices—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with the contest's artistic or conservation focus.
Are landscape photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$35 per image, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do landscape photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($250–$10,000) to feature spots in outdoor magazines, calendar placements, workshop scholarships, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected nature publications can significantly boost your visibility in the outdoor photography community.
How do I choose which landscape contest to enter?
Match your strongest images to the contest's theme or geographic focus. Review past winners for aesthetic preferences, verify technical specs (resolution, EXIF data), and check location requirements—some contests prioritize specific regions, parks, or environmental narratives.
Frequently asked questions — Nature photography contests
Who can enter nature photography contests?
Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.
Are nature photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do nature photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.
How do I choose which nature contest to enter?
Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.
Frequently asked questions — Free photography contests
Who can enter free photography contests?
Most free contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of experience level or equipment. Many explicitly encourage students, hobbyists, and emerging creators—always verify age requirements or thematic restrictions on the official contest page.
Are free photography contests really free?
Yes—entry is $0 across the board. Some contests offer optional paid perks like expedited feedback or printed certificates, but submission, judging, and basic participation remain completely free. Fee status is confirmed in the Quick Facts section on each PhotoCompete listing.
What prizes do free photography contests offer?
Prizes vary widely: cash awards range $100–$5,000, while non-monetary rewards include online features, publication credits, mentorship sessions, exhibition inclusion, or gear donations. Even without cash, free contests offer valuable exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
How do I choose which free contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose theme or mission aligns with your work. Review past winners to gauge style preferences, confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), and read rights clauses carefully—even free contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.