Deadline: 17-Jan-2026
The Annual World Press Photo Contest celebrates outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography from the past year. Professional photographers can submit singles, stories, or long-term projects, with winners receiving cash prizes, cameras, global exhibition exposure, and publication opportunities. Entries close January 17, 2026, and submissions must follow strict ethical and technical standards.
Overview
The World Press Photo Contest is a prestigious global competition recognizing excellence in photojournalism and documentary photography. It showcases impactful storytelling that highlights news, social, political, environmental, and cultural issues from around the world.
Professional photographers have the opportunity to gain international recognition, with winning work featured in exhibitions, publications, and online platforms.
Contest Categories
Entries can be submitted in the following formats:
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Singles: Individual photographs capturing a powerful moment or story
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Stories: Collections of 4–10 images conveying a cohesive narrative
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Long-Term Projects: 24–30 images documenting a subject over at least three years
Submissions are evaluated across six global regions:
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Africa
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Asia Pacific & Oceania
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Europe
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North & Central America
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South America
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West, Central & South Asia
Focus Areas & Themes
Eligible submissions may address:
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News events and aftermaths
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Sports and cultural activities
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Nature, environment, and climate issues
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Social, political, and humanitarian challenges
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Solutions-focused reporting
All photographs must have been taken in 2025 to qualify for the World Press Photo of the Year.
Awards & Benefits
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Category Winners: €1,000 each
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World Press Photo of the Year: €10,000 + FUJIFILM GFX camera and lens
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Two Finalists: FUJIFILM GFX cameras and lenses
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Invitation to a winners’ event in Amsterdam
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Inclusion in the annual traveling exhibition seen by over 4 million visitors globally
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Publication on the World Press Photo website and social media (2 million+ followers)
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Feature in the annual yearbook, published in six languages with 30,000+ copies
Eligibility
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Open to professional photographers in photojournalism or documentary photography
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Images must comply with authenticity, copyright, and technical standards
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Smartphones allowed only in standard shooting mode
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AI-powered enhancement tools permitted only if they do not alter captured information
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Entries must not include AI-generated images, heavily altered content, or restricted events
How to Apply / Submission Process
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Prepare photographs in one of the eligible formats: singles, stories, or long-term projects
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Ensure captions are accurate and in English
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Check compliance with technical and ethical rules (authenticity, copyright, professional status)
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Submit entries via the official platform, Picter, by 17 January 2026, 13:00 CET
Judging Criteria
The jury evaluates submissions based on:
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Visual quality and technical excellence
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Story significance and narrative impact
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Representation of diverse perspectives
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Adherence to ethical standards
The jury has discretion in defining what constitutes award-worthy work, considering both artistic merit and journalistic importance.
Why It Matters
Winning the World Press Photo Contest:
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Amplifies photographers’ voices and impact globally
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Contributes to raising awareness of critical social, political, and environmental issues
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Provides a platform for storytelling that informs, educates, and inspires audiences worldwide
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting AI-generated or heavily altered images
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Using incorrect captions or failing to provide accurate metadata
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Exceeding or falling short of image limits in stories or long-term projects
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Missing the submission deadline
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Ignoring technical requirements for image resolution or file format
FAQ
1. Who can enter the contest?
Professional photographers working in photojournalism or documentary photography.
2. What types of submissions are accepted?
Singles, stories (4–10 images), and long-term projects (24–30 images over three years).
3. Are AI-generated images allowed?
No. Limited AI-powered enhancements are allowed only if they do not alter captured information.
4. When is the submission deadline?
January 17, 2026, 13:00 CET.
5. Are smartphone photos allowed?
Yes, only if taken in standard shooting mode.
6. What prizes are awarded?
Category winners: €1,000; World Press Photo of the Year: €10,000 + FUJIFILM camera; two finalists: FUJIFILM cameras.
7. How will winning work be showcased?
Winners are featured in the annual traveling exhibition, online platforms, and the yearbook distributed worldwide.
Conclusion
The World Press Photo Contest 2026 provides a global platform for professional photographers to showcase impactful stories and advance photojournalism. By adhering to high ethical and technical standards, participants have the opportunity to gain international recognition, contribute to public awareness, and inspire positive change through visual storytelling.
For more information, visit World Press Photo.
