If you’re looking to build your portfolio, gain recognition, or win some impressive prizes, photography contests are a great place to start. From wildlife to travel to fine art, the U.S. is home to dozens of prestigious competitions. Whether you’re a student just getting started or an emerging talent ready to show off your skills, here are the top 5 photography contests in the U.S. you should consider entering.
1. Sony World Photography Awards (Student & Youth)
🎯 Best For: Students & young photographers worldwide
💰 Prizes: Up to $25,000, Sony gear, and global exposure
📅 Entry Deadline: Typically in January (check official site)
💵 Entry Fee: Free
The Sony World Photography Awards is one of the biggest and most prestigious contests in the world. The Student and Youth competitions are specifically designed to recognize new talent. Winners gain access to international exhibitions, publications, and connections in the professional photography world.
Why Enter?
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Free to enter
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Categories designed for students
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Global exposure through exhibitions and press
👉 Learn more: worldphoto.org
2. The Washington Post Travel Photo Contest
🎯 Best For: U.S.-based amateur photographers
💰 Prizes: $200 (1st), $100 (2nd), $50 (3rd) in gift cards
📅 Entry Deadline: Typically each summer (check annually)
💵 Entry Fee: Free
This annual contest is ideal for travel lovers and storytellers. You’ll submit one unaltered photo, and winners are featured on The Washington Post’s website. Perfect for college students who love to travel or want to build a journalism-style portfolio.
Why Enter?
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Simple rules (only one photo)
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Great exposure from a major publication
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No cost to enter
👉 Learn more: washingtonpost.com/travel-contest
3. Nature’s Best Photography Awards (Smithsonian Partnered)
🎯 Best For: Wildlife, landscape, and conservation photographers
💰 Prizes: Up to $20,000 in awards + global exhibit features
📅 Entry Deadline: Typically March–April
💵 Entry Fee: $30–$50 depending on entry type
Nature’s Best partners with the Smithsonian Institution to promote excellence in nature and wildlife photography. Winning photos are featured in Smithsonian exhibits and publications. There are student categories and youth divisions, making it perfect for campus photographers interested in the natural world.
Why Enter?
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Huge prestige with publication in Smithsonian Magazine
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High-value prizes
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Incredible networking and exposure opportunities
👉 Learn more: naturesbestphotography.org
4. Audubon Photography Awards
🎯 Best For: Bird photographers and nature lovers
💰 Prizes: $5,000 Grand Prize + youth camp experience for winners under 18
📅 Entry Deadline: March–April
💵 Entry Fee: $15 (youth) to $25 (adult categories)
Organized by the National Audubon Society, this contest celebrates birds and conservation through visual storytelling. The Youth category makes this a great choice for student photographers.
Why Enter?
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National recognition and publication
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Dedicated youth category
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Opportunity to connect with conservation groups
👉 Learn more: audubon.org/photocontest
5. Hasselblad Masters “Project/21” Category
🎯 Best For: Photographers aged 21 or younger
💰 Prizes: Inclusion in Hasselblad Masters book, gear support, exhibitions
📅 Entry Deadline: Biennial (next expected in 2026)
💵 Entry Fee: Free
Hasselblad’s prestigious contest includes a “Project/21” category for emerging photographers under 21. This is a global opportunity to join the ranks of elite creatives recognized by one of photography’s most iconic brands.
Why Enter?
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Highly prestigious award
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Exclusive exposure in professional photography circles
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Free to enter
👉 Learn more: hasselblad.com/masters
Quick Comparison Table
| Contest | Ideal For | Prizes | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony World Photography Awards | Students & Youth | $25k + gear & exposure | Free |
| Washington Post Travel Photo | Amateur Travel Photographers | Gift cards up to $200 | Free |
| Nature’s Best (Smithsonian) | Wildlife & Nature | Up to $20k + publication | $30–$50 |
| Audubon Awards | Bird/Nature Photographers | $5k + youth awards | $15–$25 |
| Hasselblad Project/21 | Under-21 Photographers | Gear + global prestige | Free |
Tips for Entering Contests
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📆 Mark deadlines early — late entries are usually disqualified.
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📸 Follow the rules — file size, format, and post-processing restrictions matter.
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🖼️ Tell a story — even a single photo should have an emotional or narrative hook.
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🧾 Read the fine print — understand usage rights before submitting.
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🔗 Share your entries — win or lose, showcasing contest submissions helps build your portfolio and credibility.
Conclusion
Photography contests are more than just competitions — they’re doorways to bigger opportunities, including exhibitions, publications, and professional connections. Whether you’re just starting out or already building a name for yourself, these top five U.S.-based contests offer something for every level.
So grab your camera, polish your best shots, and take the leap. Your next big break might just start with a single submission.
📢 Bonus:
Want to be featured on USAPhotographySchools.com? Submit your contest entries or student portfolio for a chance to be highlighted in our weekly spotlight series!
