2026 New York Photography Awards is now open for entries!
The New York Photography Awards program honors, recognizes, and promotes outstanding photographers worldwide, who share their vision with the world, through the lenses that portray the beauty of immutable reality, along with the dichotomy of Big Apple’s panorama.
Short description
The New York Photography Awards 2026 has been recently organised by International Awards Associate Inc (IAA).
The New York Photography Awards program honors, recognizes, and promotes outstanding photographers worldwide, who share their vision with the world, through the lenses that portray the beauty of immutable reality, along with the dichotomy of Big Apple’s panorama.
Organiser encourage all photographers, from amateurs to professionals, to express themselves through image, and rekindle sparks of the forgotten past with their everlasting visual arts.
The New York Photography Awards categories consists of New York Photography, Architecture Photography, Commercial Photography, Editorial Photography, Fine Art Photography, Nature Photography, People Photography, Black & White Photography, Minimalist Photography and other special categories, such as Event Photography, Mobile Photography, Film Photography, etc.
There are FIVE (5) levels of achievement in the competition:
➜ New York Photographer of the Year
➜ New York Category Winners of the Year
➜ Gold (85-100 points)
➜ Silver (60-84 points)
➜ Honorable Mentions (50-69 points)
The New York Photography Awards aims to redefine and push the boundaries of photography, where every aspect of a still image is carefully taken to reach international standards. Whether you are a professional or amateur photographer, your creativity will shine through the camera lens.
Work submitted must have been created within the last 5 years (2019 - 2024).
This competition is open to all forms of photography, no matter professional, personal, published or unpublished, created after January 1, 2021.
Evaluation Criteria:
➜ Originality (Uniqueness of Concept / Expression of Theme)
➜ Creativity (Storytelling / Mood)
➜ Technical Execution (Composition, Color, Lighting, Exposure & Focus)
➜ Subject / Relevancy to Category Topic
➜ Overall Impression / Wow Factor
The winners will be announced on December 11, 2026.
Submission requirements
All entries must be submitted for judging exactly as published or implemented and may not be modified for the competition. The New York Photography Awards may request proof of initial production and / or publication date.
A written translation or adaptation must accompany non-English entries.
Entry Brief:
It's recommended each synopsis to be kept at approximately 350 words. Do utilize this section to elaborate on the piece as well as providing the jury with a better understanding of your subject. A written translation or adaptation must accompany non-English entries.
Image Submission:
The submissions should be saved in a flattened JPEG or JPG format. (keep them under 4MB, 1,200px wide is preferable, 300dpi, RGB).
Eligibility
The New York Photography Awards welcomes all photographers over the age of 18, from anywhere around the globe, to join the expansive community. Whether you're a professional, an amateur, or a student, this platform celebrates your passion for photography.
Benefits
➜ The New York Photographer of the Year (Professional Category) will receive $3,000 in cash prizes and a 2026 New York Statuette.
➜ The New York Photographer of the Year (Amateur Category) will receive $2,000 in cash prizes and a 2026 New York Statuette.
➜ The New York Category Winners of the Year (Professional and Amateur Categories) will receive $100 in cash prizes each.
➡ Dedicated Social Media Post
➡ Winner’s Interview
➡ Dedicated Winner’s Profile / Page
➡ Press Release Template
➡ Exclusive Physical & Digital Certificates
➡ Winner Badge
➡ Life-time marketing materials for use
Entry fees
Entry fee is $25 during the Early Bird period (Aug 6 - Sep 3, 2026) for Professionals and $20 Amateurs. After that period amount of the fee will increase.
