Free Photo Contests
A listing of free photo contests that you can enter.Deadline: February 25, 2026 11:59 PM Deadline in 5 Days
Enter a photograph that clearly features the letter D as part of the composition. The letter may appear in signage, architecture, shadows, objects, typography, or creative arrangement. Frame your shot so the shape of D stands out as a deliberate visual element.
Deadline: March 8, 2026 11:59 PM
Center your photograph on blossoms for this contest. Highlight petals, patterns, and natural color in gardens, fields, or close-up detail. Use light and focus to reveal the richness and visual appeal found in floral subjects.
Deadline: March 17, 2026 11:59 PM
This photography contest challenges you to tell a story with a single image. Submit one photo that speaks for itself.
Deadline: March 28, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter a photograph captured through a window, either from inside looking out or from outside looking in. Use glass, reflections, light, and framing to add depth and atmosphere. Let the window become part of the composition, shaping how the viewer experiences the scene.
Deadline: April 5, 2026 11:59 PM
Explore coastal scenery in this photography contest. Capture ocean views that range from still, glassy waters to dramatic surf and rolling tides. Whether you focus on shoreline detail, distant horizons, boats, cliffs, or shifting light over the sea, present a maritime scene with strong composition and atmosphere.
Deadline: April 8, 2026 11:59 PM
For this photography contest, center your image around the color green. Let green dominate the frame, whether it appears in foliage, fabric, reflections, architecture, or abstract detail. Compose your shot so that this single color drives the mood and visual impact.
Deadline: April 12, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter a wildlife photograph for this contest. Capture animals in their natural surroundings, whether in forests, fields, wetlands, or your own backyard. Birds, small mammals, and other creatures are all welcome. Focus on timing, clarity, and authentic behavior to create a compelling image.
Deadline: April 20, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit a photograph featuring a dog or puppy as the main subject. Capture personality, expression, movement, or a candid moment that feels genuine. Whether playful, scruffy, sleek, tiny, or full-grown, aim for a shot that highlights character and visual interest.
Deadline: April 26, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit a scenic photograph that highlights an expansive view. Frame mountains, coastlines, countryside, desert terrain, or urban panoramas with attention to light and depth. Present a wide setting that draws the viewer into the space and atmosphere of the scene.
Deadline: May 2, 2026 11:59 PM
Create a close-up photograph that transforms a tiny subject into a bold, detailed image. Use macro techniques or tight framing to magnify texture, pattern, and form. Turn something small into a larger-than-life visual experience.
Deadline: May 15, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit a floral photograph for this contest. Highlight blossoms in gardens, wild settings, close-up detail, or wide arrangements. Use light, focus, and composition to emphasize color, texture, and natural form.
Deadline: May 21, 2026 11:59 PM
For this photography contest, build your image around the color blue. Let blue dominate the composition, whether it appears in sky, water, fabric, architecture, shadows, or abstract detail. Frame your shot so this single hue shapes the mood and visual strength of the photograph.
Deadline: May 26, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter a photograph taken in an outdoor setting for this contest. Your subject may include wildlife, plant life, sweeping scenery, close-up details, or everyday scenes under open skies. Use natural light and thoughtful framing to showcase life beyond indoor spaces.
Deadline: May 31, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit a photograph that reveals human influence on the land. This contest welcomes images of skylines, bridges, roads, farmland, fences, wind turbines, or any structure set within the natural environment. Show how development, design, or daily life has shaped the landscape, whether subtly or dramatically.
Deadline: June 5, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter a photograph that highlights age, history, or the passage of time. Capture weathered buildings, worn tools, vintage objects, historic sites, or faces marked by experience. Use light, detail, and composition to emphasize texture and character that come with years gone by.
Deadline: June 12, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter a photograph featuring a bird or multiple birds for this contest. Capture them in flight, at rest, feeding, or interacting within their surroundings. Focus on timing, clarity, and composition to highlight movement, feathers, and natural behavior.
Deadline: June 20, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit an image that features natural water as the central subject. This photography contest welcomes scenes of rivers, lakes, oceans, waterfalls, rain, or coastal views. Emphasize motion, reflection, texture, or light as you present water in its outdoor setting.
Deadline: June 24, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit your most vibrant photograph for this contest. Fill the frame with bold hues, rich tones, and dynamic contrast. Whether the color comes from nature, architecture, fashion, or everyday life, let intensity and saturation drive the visual impact of your image.
Deadline: June 30, 2026 11:59 PM
Photograph the natural details that make the outdoors vibrant and alive. The theme of this photography contest is flowers. Focus on color, texture, shape, and light as you highlight blossoms in gardens, fields, or wild settings. Present a fresh perspective on one of nature’s most striking subjects.
Deadline: July 4, 2026 11:59 PM
Head outdoors and submit a photograph that highlights what you discover beyond your door. From sweeping vistas and wooded trails to city streets and open skies, present a scene shaped by natural light and open space. Show how your camera captures the character of the world outside.
Deadline: July 11, 2026 11:59 PM
Create a photograph that uses reflection as a key visual element. Capture mirrored scenes in water, glass, metal, or any reflective surface to add depth, symmetry, or distortion. Experiment with angles and light to produce an image that feels layered and visually striking.
Deadline: July 15, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit a photograph that showcases the appeal of the natural world. Highlight landscapes, wildlife, plant life, water, or changing weather in a way that reveals texture, light, and atmosphere. Let your image reflect the richness and visual impact found outdoors.
Deadline: July 20, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter a floral image for this photography contest. Focus on petals, patterns, color, and natural detail, whether you are highlighting one blossom up close or capturing a wide scene filled with blooms. Let your composition bring out the character and beauty of the subject.
Deadline: July 26, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit an image that centers on the first light of morning or the fading glow of evening. Whether you capture bold color across the sky or soft light touching the horizon, make the rising or setting sun the heart of your composition.
Deadline: August 2, 2026 3:59 AM
Create a monochrome image for this photography contest. Capture any subject you choose, but present it without color. Emphasize contrast, shadow, texture, and tonal range to give your black and white photo depth
Deadline: August 9, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter an outdoor photograph for this contest. Whether it is a wide horizon, evening sky, plant life, wildlife, or a street view in natural light. Focus on atmosphere and composition to showcase a moment shaped by the open air.
Deadline: August 16, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit a photograph in which the subject clearly notices the camera and responds to it. Capture eye contact, expression, gesture, or movement that shows awareness of being photographed. Whether playful, curious, confident, or surprised, let the reaction become the heart of the image.
Deadline: August 25, 2026 11:59 PM
Take a photograph from a surprising perspective for this contest. Experiment with high or low viewpoints, close-up framing, tilted horizons, reflections, or unusual composition. Instead of the standard eye-level shot, challenge yourself to see the subject in a new way and capture it creatively.
Deadline: September 2, 2026 11:59 PM
Enter a photograph that highlights the natural world. This contest welcomes images of blooms, rivers, wildlife, trees, skies, or any outdoor subject that captures your attention. Focus on detail, light, and composition as you present a fresh view of the environment around you.
Deadline: September 8, 2026 11:59 PM
Submit a landscape image for this photography contest. From towering cliffs and forest paths to city skylines and rural horizons, present a location in a way that draws the viewer in.
Finding Photo Contests
If you are searching for free photo contests you are in the right place. We provide an updated listing of photography competitions that do not require an entry fee. Our directory is reviewed regularly to ensure the contests are legitimate, transparent, and hosted by reputable organizations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, free photo contests offer a great opportunity to showcase your work without financial risk.
Photo Contest Free Entry
Every photo contest listed here allows free entry. We focus specifically on free photography contests because many photographers want exposure, recognition, and potential prizes without paying submission fees. The contests we feature clearly outline judging criteria, deadlines, image requirements, and prize details. This allows you to confidently submit your work knowing the process is fair and structured.
Why Enter Photo Contests?
Free photo contests are an excellent way to challenge yourself creatively. They often provide themes that push you to try new techniques or explore new subjects. Entering contests also helps you build a portfolio, gain recognition, and in some cases win cash prizes or publication opportunities. Even if you do not win, participating in photography competitions helps refine your skills and discipline.
Preparing Your Contest Entry
Before submitting to any free photo contests, carefully read the rules. Pay close attention to image size requirements, file formats, theme guidelines, and deadline dates. It is often best to shoot specifically for the contest theme rather than trying to adapt an older photo. Judges look for images that clearly match the stated topic.
Photography Techniques That Help You Win
Strong technique matters. Use a tripod when possible to reduce motion blur. Pay attention to lighting, especially natural light during golden hour. Shoot multiple frames and review them carefully before choosing your final submission. Consider composition rules such as leading lines, framing, depth of field, and subject isolation. Small adjustments can significantly improve your chances in free photography contests.
Updated Free Photography Contests 2026
Our goal is to provide a reliable, updated list of free photo contests for 2026 and beyond. We continuously monitor for new competitions so photographers always have fresh opportunities to enter. Check back often for new listings and upcoming deadlines.