The World Press Photo Contest is now open for 2026 submissions, inviting professional photographers in photojournalism and documentary photography to enter their most powerful work from the past year.
As one of the world’s most prestigious platforms for visual storytelling, the contest highlights images that reveal global realities — from communities and culture to conflict, climate and human resilience.
Focus areas
The competition accepts entries in three formats: Singles, Stories, and Long-Term Projects, covering news, nature, sports, and critical social, political and environmental themes.
Its goal is to recognise storytelling that informs, challenges and inspires, with judging conducted across six global regions to ensure diverse and equitable representation.
Funding details
Winners receive:
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$1,100 USD for each category winner.
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$11,000 USD for the overall World Press Photo of the Year.
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FUJIFILM GFX cameras and lenses for the top winner and two finalists.
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An all-expenses-paid trip to Amsterdam for the annual awards celebration.
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Inclusion in the global touring exhibition viewed by over four million people each year.
Who can apply
The contest is open exclusively to professional photographers working in documentary or journalistic contexts. Selection emphasises:
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Visual integrity
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Originality
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Accuracy and ethical storytelling
Applicants must:
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Be professional photojournalists or documentary photographers.
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Submit original work with full copyright ownership.
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Adhere to ethical, technical and authenticity guidelines.
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Provide accurate English captions for each image.
Application requirements
Photographers may submit:
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Single images
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Story series (4–10 images)
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Long-Term Projects (24–30 images created over at least three years)
Smartphone images are permitted only when shot in standard mode. AI-generated content is strictly prohibited, though basic editing is allowed if it does not distort factual accuracy.
Deadline
The application deadline is January 17, 2026. Interested photographers should submit their entries via the World Press Photo website.
Discover more global photography contests on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
