International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2026: Enter for a Chance to Win Amazing Prizes
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The International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2026 contest is now open, featuring fantastic prizes and opportunities for budding photographers worldwide.
Amateur Photographer Magazine is bringing together the world’s finest image-makers with the opening of this year's International Amateur Photographer of the Year award (APOY). This prestigious competition invites non-professional photographers to showcase their talent across ten distinct rounds, with enticing prizes for participants. The first category for submission is STREET, and young photographers aged 13-21 can enter the Young Amateur Photographer of the Year competition for free.
Recognized as the UK's foremost photography contest for amateurs, APOY welcomes submissions from all corners of the globe. This year, the competition is hosted on the user-friendly Photocrowd platform, making it easier for participants to upload their work and track their submissions.
Season of Prizes
Throughout the ten rounds of APOY, participants have the opportunity to win exciting prizes in each round. This year, DxO is the headline sponsor, contributing prizes for both round victors and the ultimate overall winner. Other sponsors include Park Cameras, Amazing Internet, Bob Books, and The School of Photography, with a total prize pool worth £24,000, including vouchers, software, and photography products. Notably, these prizes are available to every entrant, regardless of their geographical location.
Participation Flexibility
Photographers can choose to enter any number of the ten rounds, setting their own challenges based on their availability or willingness to compete. The Young APOY competition encourages photographers aged 13-21 to enter, with a dedicated focus on nurturing young talent. Members of camera clubs can accumulate points for their respective societies as they participate in the contest. Below are the main prizes available:
Prizes for APOY Participants
The winner of each round will receive:
- Free DxO software (DxO PhotoLab 8 and DxO FilmPack 7), valued at £340
- A £300 voucher redeemable at Park Cameras
- An annual subscription to The School of Photography worth £120
- A £50 voucher for Bob Books
The two runners-up from each round will each receive a free DxO Nik Collection license worth £146 and a £25 voucher for Bob Books. Additionally, the top ten entries from each round will be featured in Amateur Photographer magazine.
As for the overall winner, after all ten rounds, they will take home £1,000 to spend at Park Cameras along with a £100 voucher for Bob Books.
Younger Filmmakers Have Their Moment
The winners of each Young APOY round will benefit from the following:
- Free DxO PhotoLab and FilmPack licenses worth £340
- A £100 voucher to spend at Park Cameras
- An annual subscription to The School of Photography worth £120
- A £50 voucher for Bob Books
Runners-up will receive the same Nik Collection license and Bob Books voucher as their older counterparts. The overall winner for Young APOY will enjoy a £250 Park Cameras voucher along with a £100 voucher for Bob Books.
Camera Club Recognition
In a bid to recognize community efforts, the camera club that obtains the highest points over ten rounds will win a beautifully designed website from Amazing Internet, worth £1,500, to elevate their online presence.
Important Dates to Note
Key dates for each category are as follows. These indicate when themes open and close, with results leading to the crowning of the overall titles: International Amateur Photographer of the Year and Young International Amateur Photographer of the Year.
| Theme | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Street | 5 May 2026 | 25 May 2026 |
| Black & White | 26 May 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
| Animal Kingdom | 23 June 2026 | 20 July 2026 |
| Celebrating Colour | 21 July 2026 | 17 August 2026 |
| Architecture | 18 August 2026 | 14 September 2026 |
| People & Portraits | 15 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 |
| Landscapes | 13 October 2026 | 9 November 2026 |
| Close-up & Macro | 10 November 2026 | 30 November 2026 |
| Night & Low Light | 1 December 2026 | 4 January 2027 |
| Open | 5 January 2027 | 1 February 2027 |
How to Enter APOY
For the main APOY 2026 award, participants can submit up to five images per round. A unique code, published in Amateur Photographer magazine, allows for one free entry per round. Without this code, photographers can submit a maximum of four images. For Young APOY, eligible photographers may submit up to four images for free in each round.
Why Enter APOY?
- Win attractive prizes with every round!
- Your work will be reviewed by a panel of experienced judges.
- Gain enhanced visibility for your photographs.
- Feature in Amateur Photographer magazine, online platforms, and social media channels.
Meet the Sponsors
Each sponsor—from DxO’s powerful image processing software to Park Cameras’ extensive gear selection—plays a vital role in elevating this competition. For detailed information, here are highlights from some of our sponsors:
- DxO PhotoLab: Known for its exceptional RAW processing capabilities, DxO PhotoLab integrates advanced AI tools to enhance image quality effectively.
- Park Cameras: This well-established retailer provides a broad array of photographic equipment and complimentary expert advice.
- Amazing Internet: They specialize in building custom websites for creative professionals, enhancing their online development.
- Bob Books: A leader in premium photo book production, they allow photographers to self-publish their work with stunning prints.
- The School of Photography: An award-winning online education platform offering a plethora of resources for both burgeoning and seasoned photographers.
Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your photography skills and potentially win great prizes. Get involved in this year’s exciting journey with APOY!
