Photography Awards You Should Know About for Your Business

4-minute read

In the world of photography, standing out from the competition is likely crucial for success. One powerful way to earn recognition can be with an award in photography. Not only do photography awards bolster credibility, but they also can help you gain exposure among your peers and potential clients. 

Ready to start focusing on your rise to stardom? Frame your sights on this list of top photography awards.

Photography Awards and How to Apply for Them

1. Sony World Photography Awards

These prestigious awards usually cover a wide range of photography genres, from architecture to wildlife, making it one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive photography contests. From its inception, the Sony Awards have championed inclusivity by being free to enter, typically, with a top prize of $25,000.1

2. International Photography Awards 

The International Photography Awards (IPA) is another highly regarded competition that attracts professional, amateur, and student photographers worldwide. IPA offers many categories to submit your work, including fine art, nature, architecture, people, and more. Winning, or even being nominated, can provide significant exposure for your work.2

3. World Press Photo Contest

This globally renowned award celebrates outstanding photojournalism and spotlights important stories overlooked by mainstream media. Winning a World Press Photo Award can be a career-defining achievement that can propel photographers to new heights.3

4. Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Are you passionate about wildlife photography? This competition, hosted by the Natural History Museum in London, is a must-enter for photographers looking to showcase their images of animals and the environment.4 

5. Natural Landscape Photography Awards 

Are you a budding Ansel Adams? From grand scenics to intimate abstracts, the mission of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards is to expose the world’s best landscape and nature photography.5

6. Travel Photographer of the Year

The Travel Photographer of the Year contest celebrates the joy of travel, breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and our planet’s biodiversity. And if you specialize in travel photography, this award could help supercharge your exposure.6

7. The Best of the Best Wedding Photo Contest

Wedding photographers are artists too! If your passion lies in capturing the look of love, this prestigious contest may be the perfect match for your small business. Up to fifty winning entries are featured on the contest website with a link to your business.7

8. Comedy Pet Photography Awards

This award is about capturing those hilarious moments with our furry and feathered friends. Get ready to chuckle when you submit your entries on their official website.8

9. iPhone Photography Awards

In the digital age, smartphone photography has gained immense popularity. This award recognizes the incredible talent behind iPhone photography and includes a wide range of categories such as architecture, landscape, nature, people, travel, and more.9

10. Drone Awards

Looking to elevate your photography business to new heights? Consider the Drone Awards, one of the world’s leading aerial photography contests. This competition is open to aerial photography, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, drones, and balloons, with categories including weddings, nature, people, and sports.10

How to Insure an Award-Winning Photography Business

As a professional photographer, you’re focused on capturing stunning visuals. Don’t let unforeseen events derail your shot at success. Check out this article for information on how photography insurance can help protect your small business from potential accidents, injury, and theft. You can find more information on insurance for photographers here.

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Capture the moment

Photography awards, grants, and scholarships are a fantastic way to perfect your craft, showcase your talent, and gain recognition. Don’t hesitate to capture the moment — elevating your photography business could be just a submission away.

References:

  1. Learn more at Worldphoto.org.
  2. Learn more at Photoawards.com.
  3. Learn more at Worldpressphoto.org.
  4. Learn more at NHM.ac.uk.
  5. Learn more at Naturallandscapeawards.com.
  6. Learn more at TPOTY.com.
  7. Learn more at Junebugweddings.com.
  8. Learn more at Comedypetphoto.com.
  9. Learn more at IPPawards.com.
  10. Learn more at Droneawards.photo.

Award(s) information are general summaries from the sources listed above. Information included may change after this article is published.

Written by

Courtney Hayes

Born and raised in the fishing port of Gloucester, MA, I grew up listening to the sea stories of local fishermen. My first job was “chum girl” on my dad’s tuna boat, where I spent my formative years covered in fish guts. Since then, I’ve worked as a researcher, blogger, and writer for documentary films. When not at work, you can find me surfing the cold waters of the North Atlantic or searching for warmer waves around the world.

Courtney writes on a number of topics such as risk assessment, starting a small business, and financial resources.

This content is for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain expert advice from industry-specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our full disclaimer