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Ready to showcase images that turn the night sky into pure visual drama? Capture the Dark 2025—DarkSky International’s premier night-time photography contest—has opened its portal to creatives everywhere. Submissions are free and accepted until June 30 2025; winners will be revealed on August 13 after a public voting round in July. A curated online gallery, magazine features, and sponsor prize packs from PhotoPills, Lensbaby, and Peak Design await those whose work outshines the competition.
The contest celebrates every facet of low-light creativity, from astrophotography to conservation storytelling. Photographers may upload up to three high-resolution JPEGs per category across themes such as Dark Sky Friendly Lighting, Creatures of the Night, Deep Sky Observations, and Mobile Nighttime Photography. All files (≤ 50 MB) must include full EXIF data and follow DarkSky’s Principles for Responsible Astrophotography. As one of Deartline’s curated free photo contests, Capture the Dark offers concrete rewards rather than vague “exposure.”
Whether building a fresh portfolio or refining an established vision, Capture the Dark provides a transparent bridge to new audiences and potential clients. You’ll find this call—alongside the internet’s best photography challenges to join—listed on Deartline, making it easy to track deadlines while you search for the next night photography competitions that truly matter.
The Capture the Dark 2025 Prizes
Winners receive a prize package designed to elevate their practice and visibility:
- Publication of category winners in the September issue of Nightscape.
- Expanded DarkSky blog feature with photographer bios and links.
- Global press release distributed via EIN Presswire.
- Official DarkSky swag plus gear from PhotoPills, Lensbaby, and Peak Design.
- Complimentary one-year DarkSky membership.
- Recognition across all DarkSky social-media channels.
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the Capture the Dark 2025
The 2025 edition spans nine thematic categories:
- Dark Sky Friendly Lighting and Design
- Capture the Dark (open theme)
- Creatures of the Night (flora & fauna)
- Deep Sky Observations
- The Impact of Light Pollution
- International Dark Sky Places
- Mobile Nighttime Photography (mobile photography contest)
- Young Astrophotographers
- People’s Choice Award.
Each asks entrants to interpret darkness through their own technical and artistic lens—from wide-angle landscapes to telescopic views of distant nebulae.
Capture the Dark 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
- Submissions open: May 1 2025
- Submissions close: June 30 2025
- Public voting: July 1 – July 21 2025
- Winners announced: August 13 2025
Entry fee: Free for all participants worldwide—placing Capture the Dark among Deartline’s standout free photo competitions.
How to Enter:
Create a free account at the contest page, then upload up to three JPEGs (≤ 50 MB each) per category. Files must retain EXIF data and be submitted by the June 30 deadline. Youth entrants (17 or younger) require guardian permission.
About the Jury
A seven-member panel of seasoned night-sky specialists—including Sarah Mathews, Robin Stuart, Cristina Medellín, Cari Letelier, Abby Keith, Angel An, and Quanah Parker—will judge all work blind, scoring for technical skill, composition, category connection, and overall impact.
Why Enter Capture the Dark 2025?
This competition stands out among other photo contests to enter because it pairs artistic recognition with advocacy: every shortlisted image doubles as a call against light pollution. Winners gain magazine coverage, broadcast-level publicity, premium gear, and a 0 % commission policy—tangible perks for photographers advancing in astrophotography contests.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Capture the Dark 2025 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
Free to enter; open worldwide. Up to three images per category, JPEG format (≤ 50 MB) with full EXIF data. Disallowed: AI-generated composites, daytime foregrounds blended with night skies, or images captured illegally. Youth entrants must be 17 or younger with guardian consent.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers retain full copyright. By entering, they grant DarkSky International a non-exclusive, perpetual license to reproduce submitted images for promotional, educational, and advocacy purposes across print, digital, and social-media channels, with credit whenever feasible.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
