The ND Awards 2025, also known as the Neutral Density Photography Awards 2025, are among the most prestigious photography contests worldwide. Dedicated to promoting photographers and their art, this annual competition celebrates creativity, vision, and technical mastery. Open to professionals and non-professionals alike, it offers a chance to win over $7,500 in cash prizes while gaining international exposure and recognition.
Participants can compete across six professional and five non-professional categories, such as Architecture, Fine Art, Nature, People, and more. Each category further splits into subcategories, ensuring that every niche of photography is represented. Submissions can include single images or series, and participants are encouraged to showcase their best work.
The competition stands out for its emphasis on quality and innovation. Winners receive titles like ND Photographer of the Year (Professional) and ND Discovery of the Year (Non-Professional), along with significant cash prizes, certificates, and promotional support. ND Awards 2025 entries will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders, including gallery owners, publishers, and celebrated photographers.
Key dates to remember include the early deadline on April 27, 2025, and the final deadline on September 21, 2025. The winners will be announced on November 23, 2025. Entry fees start at $19 for non-professionals and $24 for professionals.
The ND Awards 2025 prizes
The ND Awards 2025 prizes underscore the competition’s prestige. With $7,500 in cash awards and global recognition at stake, participants have much to gain:
-
Professional Grand Prize
- $3,500 cash prize
- Title: ND Photographer of the Year
- Showcase in the Winners’ Gallery
- International press coverage and certificate
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Non-Professional Grand Prize
- $2,400 cash prize
- Title: ND Discovery of the Year
- Showcase in the Winners’ Gallery
- International press coverage and certificate
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Category Winners
- Professional: $500 per winner (six categories)
- Non-Professional: $400 per winner (five categories)
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Subcategory Winners
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals
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Honorable Mentions
- Certificate and Winners’ Gallery showcase
Themes and Categories of the ND Awards 2025
The ND Awards 2025 invites photographers to showcase their talent across a comprehensive range of categories. Each category is split into Professional and Non-Professional sections, ensuring fair competition based on experience level. Participants can submit an unlimited number of images or series and even enter the same image into multiple categories to maximize their chances of recognition. Here’s an in-depth look at the categories available:
Professional Categories
Professional photographers can choose from six main categories, each with several subcategories tailored to specific themes:
- Architecture:
- Bridges, Buildings, Cityscapes, Interior and Other
- Editorial:
- Daily Life, Documentary, Environmental, General News, Photo Essay / Story, Sports and Other
- Fine Art:
- Abstract, Conceptual, Landscape, Nudes, Photomanipulation and Other
- Nature:
- Aerial, Landscapes, Seascapes / Waterscapes, Trees, Wildlife, Underwater and Other
- People:
- Children, Family / Wedding, Fashion / Beauty, Portrait, Self-Portrait, Street Photography, Travel / Culture and Other
- Special:
- Advertising, Analog / Film, Drone Photography, Long Exposure, Mobile Photography, Night Photography, Panoramic and Open Theme
Non-Professional Categories
Amateur and emerging photographers can compete in these five main categories, which also include subcategories suited to various interests:
- Architecture:
- Bridges, Buildings, Cityscapes, Interior and Other
- Fine Art:
- Abstract, Conceptual, Landscape, Nudes, Photomanipulation and Other
- Nature:
- Aerial, Flowers, Landscapes, Macro / Micro, Seascapes / Waterscapes, Trees, Wildlife and Other
- People:
- Children, Family / Wedding, Fashion / Beauty, Portrait, Self-Portrait, Street Photography, Travel / Culture and Other
- Special:
- Analog / Film, Drone Photography, Long Exposure, Mobile Photography, Night Photography, Panoramic, Photojournalism / Story and Open Theme
By offering this extensive selection of categories, the ND Awards 2025 ensures a platform for photographers of all skill levels to find their niche, express their creativity, and compete on a global stage.
Neutral Density Photography Awards 2025 dates and entry fees
Here are the important deadlines and fees for the ND Awards 2025:
- Early Deadline: April 27, 2025
- Non-Professional: Single image $19 | Series $24
- Professional: Single image $24 | Series $29
- Final Deadline: September 21, 2025
- Non-Professional: Single image $24 | Series $29
- Professional: Single image $29 | Series $34
- Additional Category Entries: $10 per category
Winners Announcement: November 23, 2025
The ND Awards 2025 is not just a contest; it’s a career-launching experience. If you’re interested in discovering more opportunities like this, explore some of the best photography challenges and competitions to enter this year.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
