SKM PHOTO — Shin Kong Mitsukoshi International Photography Contest 2026 is now open with an easy hook for storytellers: submit a tightly edited series of five photos that reads like a short, compelling narrative. The theme is open, entry is free, and the deadline is October 31, 2025. If you’re mapping out the best photography challenges online, this long-running program is a useful benchmark (especially for those who value a clean, series-based brief).
The contest welcomes participants of any age and nationality. Each entry consists of one series of five images; topics are self-defined and presented as a cohesive visual story. Cash awards top out at $5,000, complemented by gear prizes from Ricoh, Fujifilm, Fotopro and IFOOTAGE, plus the chance for prizewinning works to be shown at the 2026 SKM PHOTO Art Fair with a commemorative album, certificate and fair tickets. Because it is free to enter, it also fits neatly alongside other free photography competitions tracked on Deartline.
The Shin Kong Mitsukoshi International Photography Contest 2026 Prizes
Cash and equipment prizes are awarded to individual series as follows.
First Prize (1 winner) — $5,000.
Second Prize (1 winner) — $2,000.
Third Prize (1 winner) — $1,000.
Special Jury Award (2 winners) — Ricoh GR IIIx camera.
Outstanding Work Award (5 winners) — Fujifilm instax Pal™ digital camera + instax mini Link 3 smartphone printer.
Selected Work Award (10 winners) — Fotopro X Go Mini 2 tripod.
Special Award of the Year (3 winners) — IFOOTAGE SL1 320DN LED video light. This award is selected from individual works across the year and may coincide with other prize tiers.
Prizewinning works may be presented at the 2026 SKM PHOTO Art Fair. Prizewinners receive one commemorative album, a certificate of merit and fair tickets. For readers comparing events with strong exhibition prizes, that showcase component is notable.
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the SKM PHOTO 2026
There are no set categories. The competition is open theme and centers on a five-image series that communicates a clear story. This structure suits many approaches, from portrait-led narratives and scene-setters to projects closer to documentary or portrait photography.
Shin Kong Mitsukoshi International Photography Contest 2026 Dates and Entry Fees
Receiving period: September 1 to October 31, 2025.
Fees: Free entry
Multiple entries are allowed according to the organizer’s instructions.
How to Enter:
Prepare one cohesive series of five images with a self-defined topic. Register through the organizer’s channels and include the required registration form with your work. Entries must be received before the deadline to qualify. The official site provides options for online or handbook-based registration and explains delivery for the physical submission.
Why Enter Shin Kong Mitsukoshi International Photography Contest 2026?
A single, series-based brief simplifies planning while rewarding sequencing and visual pacing. The cash awards are straightforward, equipment prizes add utility for future work, and prizewinning series may appear at the SKM PHOTO Art Fair. Because the contest is free, it stands out among free photo contests online and sits alongside other photography contests to participate. Depending on the direction of the series, entries can also connect to broader niches such as street or fine art photography.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi International Photography Contest 2026 (SKM PHOTO 2026) has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
Open to photography enthusiasts worldwide. Each entry is one series of five photos; topics are self-defined and there are no age or nationality limits. Registration is free. Entries must be received within the stated receiving period to be considered.
Copyright and Image Usage
According to the organizer’s terms for prizewinners, entrants agree to grant the organizer a gratis, irrevocable, worldwide, permanent license to reproduce, distribute and create derivatives of the prizewinning work across media for event promotion and related activities, including public display, printed materials and web publication with credit to the author. Prizewinners who do not consent are deemed to waive the prize. Prizewinning works may also participate in the “2026 SKM Photography Art Fair.”
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
