The Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2025 competition is now open for submission, inviting astrophotographers to capture our galaxy’s luminous arc and share their vision on a global stage. As in the the best photo contests to enter, this specialized event challenges participants to master long-exposure techniques before the season closes in October 31, 2025. Embracing the magic of deep-sky imaging, it stands out among night photography competitions for its focus on celestial artistry and technical precision.
Entrants can submit both single exposures and carefully stacked compositions that reveal nebulae and star clusters invisible to the naked eye. The top prize includes a full-page feature in Photography Magazine Extra, while runners-up benefit from exclusive editorial coverage and expert instruction. A simple $10 submission fee secures each entry, making participation straightforward for anyone ready to showcase their best work.
With chances to appear in print, gain a dedicated front-page section, and retain full ownership of their images, photographers have a clear path to meaningful exposure. Whether seeking recognition or looking to refine astrophotography skills, the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2025 offers a fact-driven opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded creators.
The Milky Way Photographer of the Year Prizes
Winners will receive the following awards:
- First Place:
- A full-page spread in Photography Magazine Extra’s winners section
- One-month feature on the front page
- Link to the photographer’s website
- Bio and interview
- $100 gift card from The Photo Center
- Permanent placement on the former winners page.
- Second Place:
- One hour of private instruction with Pamela Goodyer
- Link to the photographer’s website
- An image plus artist info featured on the awards page.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest
There are no explicit categories for this competition; all entries center on the singular theme of capturing the Milky Way through astrophotography, emphasizing long-exposure composition and celestial storytelling.
Milky Way Photographer of the Year Dates and Entry Fees
Mark your calendars for the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2025:
Key Dates:
- Submissions Open: Currently open.
- Final Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
Entry Fee:
- $10 per submission.
How to Enter:
Prepare four to six images sized to 1300 pixels on the longest edge (under 110 KB), named in the format LastName-Title-Number. Pay the $10 entry fee via the official site’s payment link, then email your images.
Why Enter Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2025?
This contest offers photographers significant editorial exposure, from a dedicated full-page magazine spread to a front-page feature and digital promotion across social channels. Winners keep full image rights while benefiting from professional interviews and tutorial opportunities. Listed among other photo competitions online, it ranks as one of the premier long exposure photography contests for showcasing astrophotography excellence.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest 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
All submitted photographs must be original work by the entrant; contestants retain full ownership and copyright of their images. Upon entry, participants grant Photography Magazine Extra permission to use submitted images in magazine publications, promotional materials, and social media with proper credit but limit usage to contest-related purposes. Entries featuring identifiable individuals require a signed model release form.
Copyright and Image Usage
Participants maintain all rights to their images. Photography Magazine Extra employs right-click protection to prevent unauthorized duplication and does not repurpose entries beyond contest promotion. Proper credit is always provided when images are displayed.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
