Capture and Share Your Architectural Photography in the APOY 2026 Competition for a Chance at £24,000 in Prizes

Are you passionate about architecture and photography? If so, the International Amateur Photographer of the Year award (APOY) invites you to showcase your striking images of buildings, structures, and interiors from around the globe. Organized by Amateur Photographer Magazine, this exciting competition includes ten themed rounds, and is now open for entries with the fifth category—ARCHITECTURE—accepting submissions until September 14, 2026.

Reimagine Architectural Photography

Architecture is everywhere, offering a canvas for creativity that spans from modern skyscrapers to ancient ruins. Capturing this built environment requires more than just a basic understanding of techniques; it's about how light, shadow, color, pattern, and perspective play a role in transforming everyday structures. Aspiring participants are encouraged to explore diverse settings—from celebrated global landmarks to local vistas. Remember, impactful photographs can arise from familiar structures when you focus on their shape, symmetry, and design.

Don’t shy away from challenging weather conditions; overcast skies or rain can introduce a dramatic flair to your compositions. Consider the interactions of people within these spaces or choose to showcase their architectural forms in isolation. Whether it's an ornate historical building, a sleek glass tower, or even utilitarian structures like service stations, this category beckons you to view our environment anew.

Free Entry for Young Photographers

Photographers aged 13-21 can enter the Young Amateur Photographer of the Year competition without any fee, creating a wonderful opportunity for the next generation of creatives to shine.

Meet the Guest Judge: Jim Stephenson

Renowned UK-based architectural photographer Jim Stephenson serves as this year’s guest judge. Known for his documentary-style approach, Jim captures how people interact with architectural spaces, offering a narrative depth in his imagery. His experience with leading designers makes him a formidable judge who will appreciate the creativity of participating photographers.

Entering the Competition

For the main APOY 2026 award, participants can submit up to five images in each of the ten competition rounds. A single free entry per round is available with a special code printed in Amateur Photographer magazine during each round's open period. Without the code, a maximum of four images can be submitted per round. For young contenders entering the Young APOY 2026 award, a total of four free images per round can be submitted.

Prize Breakdown for Contestants

Each round winner in APOY 2026 will receive a robust prize package that includes:

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

Moreover, the two runners-up will earn a DxO Nik Collection license worth £146 and a £25 voucher for Bob Books. Not to be overlooked, the top ten entries from each round will also receive publication in Amateur Photographer.

The overall winner, determined after the completion of the ten rounds, will secure an impressive £1,000 to spend at Park Cameras and an additional £100 to be used at Bob Books.

Young Amateur Photographer Awards

The Young Photographer of the Year segment is designed to foster new talent. Entrants must be 21 or younger at the contest's final deadline of February 1, 2027. All categories mirror those of the main event, and participants should select the Young APOY option when submitting their images. Not only is entry free, but winners and runners-up of each round will also receive attractive prizes, with the overall victor after ten rounds getting vouchers for Park Cameras and Bob Books.

Prizes for Young Photographers

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

The two runners-up will take home a DxO Nik Collection license worth £146 and a £25 voucher for Bob Books. The ultimate Young APOY champion will earn a £250 Park Cameras voucher and a £100 Bob Books voucher.

Camera Club Participation

If you belong to a camera club or photographic society, your entries can earn points towards your club's standing. The club with the highest total points after all rounds will receive a professional website build from Amazing Internet, valued at £1,500.

Schedule for APOY 2026 Entries

Follow Amateur Photographer on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Irys for more updates.

For more details about the competition, including submission guidelines, visit the official page: Submit your best architectural photos today!