Organizer Information:

The Pano Awards. Since 2010, the Epson International Pano Awards has been dedicated to the craft and art of panoramic photography, standing as the world's largest competition devoted to the genre.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the 2026 Epson International Pano Awards.

The competition celebrates panoramic photography across three main tracks: Amateur, Open, and VR/360. This year also introduces a brand new "Aerial" category in both the Open and Amateur competitions.

Category:

Photography (Nature/Landscapes, Aerial, Built Environment, and VR/360).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to photographers worldwide.
    • Amateur Awards: Strictly for non-professional/amateur and student photographers only.
    • Open Awards: Open to all photographers.
    • VR/360 Awards: Open to all photographers.
  • Aspect Ratio Definition: To qualify as a panorama, images MUST have an aspect ratio of at least 2:1 (or 1:2 for vertical images).
  • AI Ban: AI-generated images are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Images must be 100% photographic in origin. (Standard adjustments and digital stitching of photographic frames are allowed).
  • System Requirements: Applicants MUST use a desktop computer to apply. The entry system is strictly NOT compatible with mobile browsers. Applicants must also disable pop-up blockers and VPNs prior to paying/uploading.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Total Prize Pool: Over $50,000 USD, including $15,000 in cash prizes across various categories.
  • Curator's Award: A special $1,000 USD award is available exclusively to those who enter during the early-bird period.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Amateur Awards: $20 USD per entry.
  • Open Awards: $22 USD per entry.
  • VR/360 Awards: $20 USD per entry.
  • (Note: Early entry savings—enter 5 or more images at once and save 20% on your total entry fee).

Application Requirements:

  • File Formatting / Strict Constraint: Images must be saved as JPEGs in sRGB or AdobeRGB color space. Files must be a maximum of 3000 pixels on the longest side and must not exceed 5MB.
  • VR/360 Formatting / Strict Constraint: VR/360 entries must be uploaded in a 2:1 equirectangular format.
  • Anonymity: Images must not contain watermarks, logos, or text on the image itself.

How to Apply?

Create an account, verify your email, and upload your images via the official Pano Awards desktop portal.

Key Dates:

  • Early-Bird Deadline: June 22, 2026 (Required to be eligible for the Curator's Award).
  • Final Deadline: July 13, 2026.
  • First Round of Judging: July 2026.
  • Announcement of Final Results: Early November 2026.

Location:

Global / Online.

Contact Information:

Website & Application Link: https://thepanoawards.com/enter-awards/