The annual World Press Photo Contest is the world’s most prestigious competition for photojournalism and documentary photography. It recognizes and celebrates the best visual stories produced over the last year, honoring photographers whose work shows skill, courage, and insight. Winning images are showcased to a global audience through a widely seen traveling exhibition and yearbook.
Program Benefits
- Cash Prizes: Regional winners in each category receive a prize of €1,000. The four global winners (Photo of the Year, Story of the Year, Long-Term Project Award, and Open Format Award) receive an additional €5,000.
- Global Exhibition: Winning work is featured in the annual traveling exhibition, which visits over 80 cities in more than 40 countries.
- Publication: Winning photos are included in the widely distributed World Press Photo yearbook.
- International Recognition: Winners gain immense prestige and visibility, with their work being promoted across World Press Photo’s global media network.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, entrants must adhere to the following:
- Profession: The contest is open to all professional photographers working in the field of photojournalism and/or documentary photography.
- Authenticity: Photos must be a truthful and accurate representation of the scene. The contest has a strict code of ethics regarding manipulation.
- Timeline: The photographs must have been taken in the year prior to the contest (i.e., photos for the 2026 contest must be from 2025).
Application Process
- Application Deadline: The deadline for submissions is January 17, 2026.
- How to Apply: Entries must be submitted online via the official World Press Photo contest platform. Entry is free.
- Categories: Photographers can submit their work across several categories, including Singles, Stories, Long-Term Projects, and Open Format, which are judged across six global regions.
Application Link:
For complete details on the categories, entry rules, and to submit your work, please visit the official contest website.
