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World Press Photo Contest

The 2026 World Press Photo Contest is now open for entries until 17 January 2026.

World Press Photo Foundation   /   Deadline: 01/17/26

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The World Press Photo Contest awards the best and most compelling photojournalism and documentary photography from the past year. Photographers from around the world are encouraged to enter their best images, whether they capture the wonder of nature or the challenges of the climate crisis, incredible athletic feats, or stories of human resilience and courage. The contest welcomes visual storytelling covering all topics and themes.

Location

Worldwide

Fees

Free

Eligibility

General entry rules
1. The World Press Photo contest is open to professional photographers working in the field of journalism and/or documentary photography. Every entrant needs to provide a document with a valid date that confirms their current professional status. Examples of documents include, but are not limited to:

press card, stating you are working as a photographer;
OR
at least 1 proof of publication (for example a tearsheet) from 2024 or 2025, with your name visible as credit, in either online or print format from a recognized media organization or publication;
OR
journalism union membership card;
OR
membership document from a recognized photographic association that shows the photographer is a professional member;
OR
a recent letter of reference (must be from 2024 or 2025) from a photo agency, photo editor, media organization or publication, stating you have worked for them as a photographer;
OR
if you are not able to provide proof that meets the above criteria, you may register with alternative (multiple) documents so that we can gain a better understanding of your professional status.

Requirements

There are three format-based categories: Singles, Stories and Long-Term Projects. These categories welcome work that documents news and/or aftermaths, sports, nature, and social, political and environmental issues and solutions.

Awards

Winners will have their work:
● Included in the annual World Press Photo annual exhibition travelling to over 60+ locations worldwide
● Published on the World Press Photo website and social platforms with over 2 million followers
● Included in the World Press Photo Yearbook, our annual collectible publication reaching an audience of thousands Winners will also receive:
● €1,000 for each of the winners and an additional €10,000 for the World Press Photo of the Year winner
● FUJIFILM GFX cameras and lenses will be awarded to the World Press Photo of the Year winner and two fi nalists
● An invitation to a winners' event in Amsterdam for all winners ● A physical award for all winners

Considerations

Nil

Evaluation Criteria

General entry rules
1. The World Press Photo contest is open to professional photographers working in the field of journalism and/or documentary photography. Every entrant needs to provide a document with a valid date that confirms their current professional status. Examples of documents include, but are not limited to:

press card, stating you are working as a photographer;
OR
at least 1 proof of publication (for example a tearsheet) from 2024 or 2025, with your name visible as credit, in either online or print format from a recognized media organization or publication;
OR
journalism union membership card;
OR
membership document from a recognized photographic association that shows the photographer is a professional member;
OR
a recent letter of reference (must be from 2024 or 2025) from a photo agency, photo editor, media organization or publication, stating you have worked for them as a photographer;
OR
if you are not able to provide proof that meets the above criteria, you may register with alternative (multiple) documents so that we can gain a better understanding of your professional status.

Contact Information

Alexandra Fanning
LOS ANGELES, CA 90027-5305

P: 3474680735
W: https://www.worldpressphoto.org/
E: alex@alexandrafanning.com