Organizer Information
The contest is organized by All About Photo (AAP), a leading photography platform that aims to provide photographers from around the world with a global platform for showcasing their work and gaining international exposure. This is the 11th edition of their annual awards.
Title & Description
All About Photo Awards 2026 – The Mind's Eye
This is a global call for entries inviting photographers to submit their best single images for consideration. The theme, "The Mind's Eye," is a reference to Henri Cartier-Bresson's concept, investigating the depth and thoughtful organization behind each photograph. The contest is effectively Open in terms of genre but seeks work demonstrating visual intelligence and artistic execution.
Categories
- Photography (Single-shot contest)
- Open to all genres, subjects, and processes (digital, analogue, and alternative processes).
Eligibility
- International. Open to photographers from around the world.
- Age Limit: Entrants must have reached the age of majority in their place of residence at the time of entry.
- Open to both professional and amateur photographers.
Program Benefits & Awards
The competition offers over $5,000 USD in total cash prizes. The sole juror is the iconic photographer Steve McCurry.
- Grand Prize (Photographer of the Year): $2,500 USD cash prize.
- 2nd Place: $1,000 USD cash prize.
- 3rd Place: $750 USD cash prize.
- 4th Place: $500 USD cash prize.
- 5th Place: $250 USD cash prize.
- Publication/Exposure (All 50 Winners):
- Feature in the printed AAP Magazine “Special Edition All About Photo Awards 2026.”
- Publication in the All About Photo Winners Gallery, newsletter, and social media.
- Extensive international press coverage.
- Portfolio Showcase: A selection of entrants of particular merit will be invited to display their portfolio on the All About Photo website.
Application Fee
- Early Bird: $30 USD for up to 3 images (Deadline: January 8, 2026).
- Regular Deadline: $35 USD for up to 3 images.
- Additional Images: $5 USD per additional image (up to a maximum of 57 images per entrant).
Application Requirements
- Submission of original photographs on the theme "The Mind's Eye" (Open).
- Images are judged individually, not as a series.
- Image Guidelines (Technical):
- Must be saved as JPEG or JPG format.
- No watermarks allowed.
- Resolution of 72 dpi.
- Digital file size should not exceed 2 MB.
- Longest dimension should not exceed 1200 pixels (minimum 200 pixels).
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Early Bird Deadline: 8 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 27 January 2026
- Winners Notified/Published: 4 May 2026
Location
Online (Global Contest).
Additional Details
- The judging process is blind (no names or identifying information are given to the juror).
- Judging criteria include Creativity and Artistic Skill/Photographic Quality.
- Artists retain full copyright of their images.