The 1839 Awards Color Photography Contest 2026 invites photographers from around the globe to demonstrate their mastery of this medium. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a passionate amateur, this competition offers a stage to showcase how you interpret the world through the spectrum of color.
This event is widely recognized among the most prestigious online photo competitions, largely due to its commitment to blind judging and its high-profile jury panel. Participants have the chance to have their work reviewed by key figures from institutions like The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Beyond the prestige, the contest offers substantial cash awards, international exposure, and the opportunity to join a global community of artists. With distinct tracks for professionals and non-professionals, the 1839 Awards ensure that every photographer competes on a level playing field.
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Prizes
Professional Category Cash Prizes:
- 1st Place: $1,500
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $250
Non-Professional Category Cash Prizes:
- 1st Place: $900
- 2nd Place: $400
- 3rd Place: $200
Additional Benefits:
- Public Vote Award: Nominated entries are eligible for the People’s Vote Award, offering additional recognition and a public profile in the Artist Directory.
- Exposure: Winners receive a dedicated press release, digital badges, and certificates.
- Publication: Profiles in the 1839 Artist Directory and published interviews in 1839 Magazine.
- Global Reach: Previous winners have been featured in major outlets such as Forbes, CNN, and The Guardian.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
- Animals
- Architecture
- Conceptual
- Event
- Film/Analog
- Landscapes
- Minimalism
- Nature
- People
- Photojournalism
- Still Life
- Storytelling
- Travel
- Other
Dates and Entry Fees
The 1839 Awards Color Photography Contest 2026 operates on a tiered deadline structure. Submitting your work early allows you to take advantage of significantly lower entry fees. Below are the schedules for both Professional and Non-Professional participants.
Professional Entry Fees
| Deadline Phase | Date Range | Single Image Fee | Series Fee (2-5 Images) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird (20% Off) | Jan 5 – Mar 11, 2026 | $24 | $40 |
| Regular (10% Off) | Mar 11 – Apr 8, 2026 | $27 | $45 |
| Extended (Base) | Apr 8 – May 18, 2026 | $30 | $50 |
Non-Professional & Student Entry Fees
| Deadline Phase | Category | Single Image Fee | Series Fee (2-5 Images) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird (20% Off) Jan 5 – Mar 11, 2026 | Non-Professional | $20 | $32 |
| Student | $12 | $24 | |
| Regular (10% Off) Mar 11 – Apr 8, 2026 | Non-Professional | $22 | $36 |
| Student | $13 | $27 | |
| Extended (Base) Apr 8 – May 18, 2026 | Non-Professional | $25 | $40 |
| Student | $15 | $30 |
How to Enter
Participating is a straightforward process designed to be user-friendly:
- Create an Account: Visit the official website and register for a user profile.
- Upload Images: Select your best color photographs. Ensure they are JPEGs or PNGs, at least 1500 pixels on the longest side, and under 10 MB.
- Complete Submission: Fill in the optional title and description fields if you wish to provide context for the judges.
- Payment: Proceed to checkout to pay the entry fee. Once paid, your submission is final.
About the Jury
The 1839 Awards Color Photography Contest 2026 are renowned for their world-class jury panel. Entries are judged blindly, meaning the jury assesses the image alone without knowing the photographer’s name or background. This year’s panel includes influential figures from some of the most respected institutions in the art and photography world:
- Hilary Greenbaum: Director of Graphic Design and Brand Creative, Whitney Museum of American Art.
- Natalie Gialluca: Senior Visuals Editor, Vanity Fair.
- Derek Eng: Art Director, Dwell.
- Maia Murphy: Senior Editor, Phaidon Press.
- Alessa Widmer: Art Historian & Curator, University of Zurich.
Why Enter 1839 Awards Color Photography Contest 2026?
Participating in the 1839 Awards Color Photography Contest 2026 is a strategic move for any photographer looking to elevate their career. The primary draw is the caliber of the jury; having your work viewed by curators and editors from institutions like Vanity Fair and Phaidon Press is a rare opportunity. Furthermore, the contest’s blind judging process ensures that your work is evaluated solely on merit, making it one of the best photo challenges for emerging talent to compete alongside established names.
In addition to the cash prizes, the potential for international exposure is significant. Winners receive marketing assets and press support that can help validate their status as award-winning photographers, opening doors to new clients and exhibition opportunities.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the 1839 Awards Color Photography Contest 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.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers retain full copyright and ownership of all submitted images. By entering, you grant the 1839 Awards a non-exclusive license to use the images specifically for the administration and promotion of the contest (e.g., on social media, the website, or in press releases). The organization explicitly states that they will not sell your work to third parties.
Rules
- Eligibility: Open to anyone 18 years or older.
- Professional Status: Professionals are defined as those who earn the majority of their income from photography or publish regularly. Others should enter as Non-Professionals.
- Image Requirements: Images must not contain watermarks or logos.
- AI Policy: AI-generated images are generally not accepted unless there is a specific designated category for them.
- Edits: Standard editing is allowed, but the integrity of the image should be maintained.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
