The POWER UP Magazine Photo Contest 2026—also known simply as POWER UP 2026—is now open for free submissions worldwide. This aviation-focused competition invites photographers to capture the thrill and artistry of vertical flight. With entries accepted August 1, 2025 through December 1, 2025, the contest offers a $500 Grand Prize and $100 awards in each of six specialized categories.
Participants may submit up to five images per category (maximum 30 photos total) in .jpg or .png format, at 300 dpi and at least 8×10 inches. Whether you’re drawn to rotorcraft in action, maintenance crews at work or creative digital enhancements, the streamlined online entry process makes sharing your best shots effortless—and entirely cost-free. As one of our free photo competitions on Deartline, there’s no barrier to entry for emerging or seasoned talents alike.
This free contest appears alongside other notable events in Deartline’s curated list of best photography competitions to enter, providing participants industry visibility, digital badges and the opportunity to showcase their work at VERTICON 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
The POWER UP Magazine Photo Contest 2026 Prizes
Cash awards and publication opportunities await the top vertical flight photographers of the year.
- Grand Prize: $500
- Category Prizes: $100 each for six category winners
- Publication: Winning images in the March 2026 issue of POWER UP Magazine
- Exhibition: Showcase at VERTICON 2026 in Dallas, Texas (March 10–13, 2026)
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the POWER UP Magazine Photo Contest 2026
Six distinct categories celebrate different facets of vertical aviation photography:
- Vertical Flight Aircraft at Work: Capturing helicopters and tiltrotors in operational settings.
- Vertical Flight Aircraft in the Military: Showcasing defense and mission-critical flight.
- People and Their Vertical Flight Aircraft: Portraits of pilots, crew, and aviation professionals.
- Wrench Turners: Behind-the-scenes images of maintenance and technical crews.
- How We Serve: Humanitarian, rescue, and public-service flight operations.
- Digitally Enhanced Photos of Vertical Flight Aircraft: Creative post-processed imagery.
POWER UP Magazine Photo Contest 2026 Dates and Entry Fees
- Opens: August 1, 2025
- Closes: December 1, 2025
Entry Fee: Free to enter
This contest is featured among our curated free photography contests on Deartline.
How to Enter:
Visit the contest site, create a free account, and upload your high-resolution .jpg or .png images (300 dpi, min. 8×10 inches). Select up to five photos per category (max 30), ensure copyright ownership, then submit before the deadline.
Why Enter POWER UP Magazine Photo Contest 2026?
Featured in Deartline’s curated selection with more photography challenges online, this no-cost contest gives entrants the chance to win a $500 Grand Prize and $100 category awards, earn print publication in POWER UP Magazine’s March 2026 issue, and exhibit at VERTICON 2026 in Dallas, Texas. With specialized vertical flight categories judged by aviation experts, participants gain valuable professional exposure and insights within the aviation photography community.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the POWER UP Magazine Photo 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.
Rules
Entrants must be 18+ years old. Images featuring vertical flight aircraft (helicopters, tiltrotors, drones) must be original, captured by the entrant within the past 18 months. Up to five submissions per category (max 30 total). Files must be .jpg or .png, 300 dpi at 8×10 inches or larger, under 30 MB. Entries with watermarks or incomplete forms will be disqualified.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers retain full copyright. Winners grant Vertical Aviation International a non-exclusive license to publish awarded images in POWER UP Magazine, on the contest website, and for promotional use, always with proper credit.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
