Get ready to showcase the stunning beauty of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The NPRB Photography Awards 2025 is officially open, calling on photographers to capture the vibrant life and breathtaking landscapes of the North Pacific. With a deadline of December 1, 2025, this is your chance to share your unique perspective on these vital waters. This competition offers more than just recognition: it’s a platform to tell the story of a unique and dynamic environment, with cash prizes totaling over $2,000.
Organized by the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB), the contest invites both professional and amateur photographers to submit their work across several compelling categories, including a special section for young photographers. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about the ocean, from those documenting marine research to those capturing the daily lives of coastal communities. Participation is free, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding competitions out there. If you’re looking for free photography contests that celebrates the intersection of nature, science, and human experience, this is one you won’t want to miss. We feature many of the best photography competitions to join, and this award certainly stands out for its specific focus and significant mission.
The awards focus on images taken in the Gulf of Alaska, Prince William Sound, the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands, and the Chukchi/Beaufort Seas. The goal is to highlight the importance of these ecosystems through powerful visual storytelling. Whether your work features dramatic seascapes, intimate portraits of marine wildlife, or the profound connections between people and the sea, your photographs can contribute to a greater appreciation of this incredible region.
Contents
The NPRB Photography Awards 2025 Prizes
The NPRB Photography Awards offers a range of cash prizes designed to reward excellence across its diverse categories. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what participants can win:
- Best Photo Story: A single award of $1,000 will be given to the best collection of up to five images accompanied by a story of up to 1,000 words. The judges are particularly interested in narratives that explore Alaska’s marine communities and the people who live, work, and conduct science in its waters.
- Winner by Category: A cash prize of $700 will be awarded to the top photograph in each of the three main categories: Seascapes, Marine Life, and Human Connections.
- Youth Entries: Two awards are reserved for photographers aged 18 or younger. The first-place winner will receive $300, and the second-place winner will receive $100.
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the NPRB Photography Awards 2025
The competition is structured around several categories that reflect the core mission of the North Pacific Research Board. Entrants can submit up to five images in total across these categories, as well as one photo story.
Seascapes: This category is dedicated to the vast and varied coastlines of Alaska. From the icy expanses of the Beaufort Sea to the intricate narrows of the Inside Passage, this is the place for coastal and offshore imagery that captures the grandeur of Alaska’s marine ecosystems.
Marine Life: Alaska’s waters are teeming with a rich diversity of life. This category welcomes images of all marine species, big or small, that inhabit these unique environments. It’s a great fit for those interested in nature photo contests.
Human Connections: This category focuses on the relationship between people and Alaska’s marine ecosystems. Images can depict a wide range of activities, including scientific research, subsistence living, commercial fishing, and recreation. Submissions showcasing culture and people are highly encouraged.
Photo Story: A special category for those who want to tell a deeper narrative. Entrants can submit up to five images and a 1,000-word essay to explore a topic related to Alaska’s marine waters, such as an event, a place, a person, a research expedition, or a community’s way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for engaging in photojournalism or documentary storytelling.
Youth Entries: Photographers aged 18 and younger can submit their best five images representing any of the main categories in their own dedicated category. They are also eligible to submit a Photo Story.
NPRB Photography Awards 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The competition is now open for submissions.
The deadline to enter is December 1, 2025.
There are no entry fees to participate in the NPRB Photography Awards. This is a free photo competitions.
How to Enter:
To enter, photographers must use the official submission form on Jotform. You can submit a maximum of five images in total, regardless of the category. Additionally, one photo story, consisting of up to five images and a 1,000-word essay, may be submitted per entrant. All images must be in JPEG or TIFF format and have a resolution of at least 5 megapixels.
About the Jury
The judging process for the NPRB Photography Awards is a comprehensive, multi-stage review designed to ensure fairness and excellence. Images are judged anonymously on originality, technical quality, composition, overall impact, and artistic merit. The panel includes an independent professional photographer, graphic designers, as well as NPRB staff, and members of its Board and Panels. The review process involves four stages, culminating in the final award decisions made by the NPRB Board based on cumulative scores.
Why Enter NPRB Photography Awards 2025?
Participating in the NPRB Photography Awards offers more than just the chance to win a cash prize. It’s an opportunity to have your work seen by a diverse audience passionate about marine science and conservation. Winning photos are featured in the NPRB’s annual calendar, a highly popular publication distributed within the scientific community at events like the Alaska Marine Science Symposium. This provides incredible exposure. Moreover, this contest is a chance to contribute to a meaningful cause by helping to tell the story of Alaska’s precious marine ecosystems. If you are searching for a photography contest online with a purpose, this is an excellent choice.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the NPRB Photography Awards 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
The competition is open to U.S. residents of all skill levels. Non-U.S. residents and federal employees are welcome to submit but are not eligible for cash awards. Entrants must be 18 or younger to be eligible for the youth category. Employees of NPRB, their families, and members of the NPRB Board of Directors, Science Panel, or Advisory Panel are not eligible to enter. A maximum of five images and one photo story is allowed per person. Images of captive animals from zoos or aquariums are prohibited, as are photos that involve the willful harassment of wildlife. All photographs should accurately reflect the scene, with only minor adjustments permitted. AI-generated images are not allowed.
Copyright and Image Usage
You retain all copyrights to your photographs. However, by entering the contest, you grant the NPRB a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable, and royalty-free license to use your photograph and description in any and all media. This includes, but is not limited to, publication in brochures, blogs, websites, public displays, and presentations for educational and outreach purposes. The NPRB will not use the images to endorse for-profit third-party products or services.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
