2026 AMS Photo Contest
2026 AMS Photo Contest is now open for entries!
The 2026 AMS Photo Contest, international photography competition, organized by the American Meteorological Society now is calling for entries, inviting submissions from amateur and professional photographers worldwide.
Short description
The 2026 AMS Photo Contest, international photography competition, organized by the American Meteorological Society now is calling for entries!
Submitted photos should capture weather, water, and climate, ranging from subtle atmospheric scenes to extreme conditions. Examples include:
• Clouds
• Waves
• Storms
• Atmospheric conditions
• Oceanic phenomena
• Hydrologic features
Each entrant may submit only one photo.
A judging committee selected by AMS will determine the winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. The Member’s Choice Prize will be selected by active members of the AMS. Entries will be evaluated based on visual appeal, content, and photographic skill.
Winners will be announced in early Fall 2026 and featured prominently across AMS platforms.
Submission requirements
• you can submit digital photography only, printed photos will not be accepted.
• Watermarked photographs are not permitted.
• Images must be at least 2000 pixels wide at 300 dpi.
• Photos must accurately reflect the subject and scene as they appeared.
• Submissions must be authentic, original photographs, not AI-generated images. Standard editing is acceptable, including minor corrections such as dust removal, noise reduction, sharpening, cropping, and color adjustment. However, excessive manipulation that alters the reality of the scene, such as adding or replacing major elements, is not permitted. AMS may request RAW files to verify authenticity.
• Files must be submitted in JPG format.
• File size may not exceed 5 MB.
• Photos may not contain added text.
• AMS reserves the right to color correct or crop submissions if necessary.
Eligibility
Entrants must be 13 years old or older. Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome.
Prize
• 1st Prize: $500
• 2nd Prize: $300
• 3rd Prize: $200
• Members' Choice: $500
All winners will receive a complimentary AMS Associate Membership.
Contest runners-up may be invited to write an article about the story behind their submitted photograph. These articles may be featured on the AMS platforms and will provide readers with insight into the background and inspiration behind each image, including the location, conditions, and subject selected.
Entry fees
The competition is free to enter.
