News Photography Competition 2026
What's happening around you? We're looking for photographs that capture newsworthy moments, current events and stories that matter. Your image could document a major event, a local story, a sporting achievement, a public gathering, an environmental issue or an unexpected moment that caught people's attention.
Enter the CompetitionTell the Story Through Photography
You don't have to be a professional press photographer to take a great news photograph. We're interested in images that tell a story, capture a significant moment or give the viewer an insight into something happening in the world around us.
Whether it's breaking news, a powerful portrait, a human-interest story, a sporting achievement, a public event or an unusual moment, we want to see photographs that demonstrate your ability to capture what is happening around you.
News photography can cover serious and important subjects, but it can also capture the lighter side of life. From moments that make people stop and think to photographs that simply make people smile, we're interested in images that tell a story.
What Are We Looking For?
Think about the story behind your photograph as well as the image itself. Here are some ideas to consider when selecting your strongest entries.
Tell the Story
A strong news photograph should communicate something to the viewer. Think about what is happening, who is involved and why the moment is significant.
Capture the Moment
Timing is crucial. Look for genuine reactions, interesting interactions and decisive moments that tell the story without needing an explanation.
Look Beyond the Obvious
Don't just photograph what is happening. Look for the details, people and perspectives that help tell the wider story.
Keep It Authentic
News photography is about capturing real moments and giving the viewer a genuine sense of being there.
Consider the Context
A great news image should make the viewer want to know more. Think about composition, background and perspective, and make sure nothing distracts from the story.
Show Your Perspective
Look for your own perspective on the events and stories around you. A distinctive viewpoint can transform an ordinary moment into a memorable photograph.
Enter for Just £1 Per Image
Enter as many images as you like in the News Photography Competition. There is no limit on the number of images you can submit, and each image costs just £1 to enter.
Choose your strongest photographs and show us the news, events and moments that have caught your eye.
Enter NowWant to see the photographs already entered?
Competition Prizes
The top three photographers will receive complimentary Digital Membership of any of our Societies, together with access to a range of membership benefits.
Overall Winner
One year free Digital Membership of any of our Societies, including Professional Imagemaker for 12 months.
Second Place
Six months free Digital Membership of any of our Societies, including Professional Imagemaker for 6 months.
Third Place
Six months free Digital Membership of any of our Societies, including Professional Imagemaker for 6 months.
- Entry to all of our membership-only competitions
- Unrestricted access to our members' photography forum
- Access to our members-only Facebook group
- Listing on our photography directory
- Qualifications and distinctions through submission of images
- Professional Imagemaker digital magazine for the relevant membership period
No cash alternatives will be given.
Don't Miss the Deadline
Choose as many of your strongest news photographs as you like and enter before the competition closes.
The Competition Rules
Entry Requirements
- Enter as many images as you like!
- The work must be that of the entrant.
- No entry will be eligible if it has been made under the supervision of an instructor or as a class assignment.
- No distinguishing marks should appear on the images.
Image Requirements
- Images submitted must be no larger than 2000 pixels wide.
- All entrants must be able to supply a high-resolution image at 300dpi.
Copyright & Usage
- Copyright of the images remains with the photographer. The Societies recognises that the entrant, as the author of the photograph, retains complete and full ownership of the copyright in each submission.
- Entries may be used by The Societies for publicity purposes and may be printed in our magazine, Professional Imagemaker, and used for other promotional purposes.
Competition & Judging
- The competition closes on 30 November 2026.
- The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- By entering this competition, you will also be opting in to The Societies' newsletter. You have the option to unsubscribe at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter the News Photography Competition?
Entry costs just £1 per image.
How many images can I enter?
There is no limit on the number of images you can enter. You can submit as many photographs as you like, with each image costing £1 to enter.
What type of news photography can I enter?
We're looking for photographs that capture newsworthy moments, current events and stories that matter. This can include major events, local stories, sporting achievements, public gatherings, environmental issues, human-interest stories and unexpected moments.
Does a news photograph have to cover a serious subject?
No. News photography can cover serious and important topics, but we're also interested in lighter moments and photographs that capture humour, joy or something that makes people smile.
What size should my image be?
Submitted images must be no larger than 2000 pixels wide. Entrants must also be able to supply a high-resolution version at 300dpi.
When does the competition close?
The News Photography Competition closes on 30 November 2026.
Do I retain copyright of my photograph?
Yes. Copyright remains with the photographer. Images may be used by The Societies for publicity and promotional purposes as outlined in the competition rules.
Ready to Tell the Story?
Show us what's making the news through your photography.
Enter the Competition
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