Global Lens Awards 2026
- Deadline: 30 September 2026
- Website: http://globallensawards.com/
Global Lens Photography Awards 2026 is an international photography competition open to photographers worldwide.
The award invites photographers to submit distinctive single images and photographic series across a wide 2026 competition program, covering almost all major fields of contemporary photography. Categories include Advertising, Architecture, Black & White, Story & Culture, Fine Art, Minimalist, Nature, People and Special, with multiple subcategories created for different subjects, approaches and visual languages.
Global Lens is designed for photographers who want their work to receive recognition that continues beyond the announcement of results. The award focuses on photographs with visual impact, strong technique, composition, storytelling, atmosphere and authorship. Entries are reviewed anonymously, allowing images to be considered for their photographic strength rather than the name or background of the photographer.
Selected photographers receive visibility through official award channels, including the winners gallery, virtual exhibition, Annual Book publication, artist interviews, certificates and social media features. The Annual Book is an important part of the award’s identity, offering recognized work a lasting printed context as well as digital visibility.
Photographers retain copyright ownership of their work. Awarded and selected images are credited and used only in connection with the Global Lens Photography Awards, including publication, exhibition, interviews, winners gallery, newsletters, press coverage and official promotional/editorial materials.
Global Lens Photography Awards 2026 is now open for entries.
Fees:
Paid
Prizes:
Photographer of the Year:
€1,000 cash prize, commemorative Global Lens trophy, dedicated Annual Book feature, published artist interview, official certificate, official social media feature and prominent virtual exhibition placement.
Top 3 in each category and subcategory:
Annual Book publication, virtual exhibition placement, official certificate, published interview, winners-gallery visibility and official website/social media feature.
Honorable Mentions:
Official certificate, Annual Book inclusion, virtual exhibition placement and official Instagram/social media publication. Selected Honorable Mentions may also receive a published artist interview.
Eligibility:
Open worldwide to photographers aged 18 and above, regardless of nationality, residency or professional standing. Amateur and professional photographers are welcome.
Copyrights & Usage Rights:
Photographers retain full copyright ownership of their work.
By entering, photographers grant Global Lens Photography Awards a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish and display submitted and selected images only in connection with the awards, Annual Book, virtual exhibition, winners gallery, interviews, social media, newsletters, press coverage and official promotional/editorial materials.
All usage includes photographer attribution. Images are not sold, licensed to third parties or used for purposes unrelated to the Global Lens Photography Awards.
Theme:
Aerial Abstract Architecture Black and White Culture Documentary Fine Art Wildlife Street Travel Photojournalism Landscape Nature People