Join the International Amateur Photographer of the Year Award 2026: Landscape Category Open for Entries

The ongoing International Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) award invites all non-professional photographers worldwide to showcase their skills. Current entries are open for the seventh round, focusing on the theme of Landscapes, with submissions accepted until November 9, 2026. This prestigious competition spans ten themed rounds, allowing photographers to gain recognition and compete for valuable prizes.

Exploring Landscape Photography

Landscapes offer unique challenges that compel photographers to exercise patience and creativity. Whether capturing a misty valley, a coastal scene, or towering mountains, the act of waiting for the perfect conditions can lead to exhilarating moments that elevate the craft of photography. The best landscape images do more than document; they create an emotional connection by drawing the viewer into the scene, encapsulating the atmosphere and scale of the moment. A simple shift in light—be it the golden hues of dawn or the dramatic shadows of approaching storms—can transform any landscape and infuse it with life.

Entering the Competition

For those interested in participating in the main APOY 2026 award, photographers can submit up to five images for each of the ten competition rounds. Photographers can gain one free entry per round by utilizing a unique code published in Amateur Photographer magazine during the open period of each round. Without this code, entrants may submit a maximum of four images.

The Young Amateur Photographer of the Year (Young APOY) competition also welcomes submissions from photographers aged 21 and under. This category allows for four free entries per round, encouraging young talent to engage with the competition theme.

Meet the Guest Judge: Neil Burnell

This year's guest judge, Neil Burnell, is a celebrated fine art landscape photographer based in Devon, UK. With extensive experience in graphic design and an education in art and photography dating back to the 1990s, Neil has honed a distinctive style that encapsulates the emotive essence of natural landscapes. His expertise and vision will help determine the winners in this category, ensuring that the best photos are recognized.

Prizes Up for Grabs

Winners for each round will receive a variety of exciting prizes, including:

• Free DxO software packages, including DxO PhotoLab 8 and FilmPack 7, valued at £340.
• A £300 voucher valid at Park Cameras.
• An annual subscription to The School of Photography worth £120.
• A £50 voucher for Bob Books.

Additionally, the two runners-up in each round will receive a free DxO Nik Collection license worth £146 as well as a £25 voucher for Bob Books. The top ten entries from every round will also be featured in the Amateur Photographer magazine.

The overall winner after all ten rounds will walk away with a prize of £1,000 to spend at Park Cameras and an additional £100 voucher for Bob Books.

Young Amateur Photographer of the Year Competition

The Young APOY highlights the talents of emerging photographers, allowing individuals aged 21 and under to submit images under the same categories as the main contest. Entrants must submit their photos using the Young APOY option on Photocrowd. Winners in this category will also earn notable prizes, with the overall victor granted vouchers for Park Cameras and Bob Books at the conclusion of the ten rounds.

Young APOY Prizes

• Free licenses for DxO PhotoLab and FilmPack, valued at £340.
• A £100 Park Cameras voucher.
• An annual subscription to The School of Photography worth £120.
• A £50 voucher for Bob Books.

The two Young APOY runners-up will receive a free DxO Nik Collection license worth £146 along with a £25 voucher for Bob Books, making this an excellent opportunity for budding photographers.

Camera Club Award

Photographic societies and camera clubs can also participate in APOY, accumulating points through their members' entries. The club with the most points after the ten rounds will be awarded a professional website build valued at £1,500, courtesy of Amazing Internet.

Plan Your Entries for APOY 2026

Here's a schedule for the themes and their respective entry openings and closings:

Now, gather your best landscape shots and join the ranks of talented photographers participating in the APOY 2026. This competition not only provides great prizes but also a platform to showcase your artistry.