Rest of World’s Photography Contest 2026 asks a deceptively simple question with huge photographic potential: what are the creative ways people use technology where they live? Not the glossy product shot version of tech, but the kind that shows up in surprising places, gets repurposed, repaired, hacked, shared, and woven into everyday life. If you have an image that tells that story in a single frame, this is the call built for it.
Run by Rest of World, the contest is open worldwide and centers on the human context around technology. Entries close on February 28, 2026, and each photographer can submit one image made within the last two years, accompanied by a detailed description that explains where and when the photo was taken and what is happening in the scene. With cash awards in each category and a finalist selection process that highlights 15 images per category, it reads like a strong option for photographers scanning a photography contests list and looking for something timely, story-driven, and global. As a bonus, it also fits neatly among free photography competitions, since no entry fee is stated for submissions.
The 2026 edition features three category prompts that guide the kind of tech stories the editors want to see, from unexpected screen use to older tools kept alive through repair and DIY ingenuity. Winners are chosen across categories, with three first-place prizes of $750 and three honorable mentions of $250.
Contents
Prizes
This contest awards cash prizes in each category, with finalists also receiving visibility through the contest’s selection process. The prize amounts are listed below by award placement and category.
For each category:
- First Place: $750.
- Honorable Mention: $250.
In addition, Rest of World selects 15 finalists in each category before winners and honorable mentions are chosen.
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Categories or Themes
Rest of World’s Photography Contest 2026 has three categories of focus, each designed to surface a different kind of technology story.
- Surprising screens looks for screens used in remote or unusual places, or used in unexpected ways, where the setting or the context changes how the viewer reads the technology.
- Inherited innovation focuses on older technology still in use, especially when it involves DIY fixes, repair kiosks, maintenance culture, or inventive repurposing that keeps a tool relevant.
- Member’s choice is selected from submissions and ultimately chosen by Rest of World members, aiming to spotlight standout technology photographs through a community vote.
Dates and Entry Fees
Rest of World provides a single submission deadline for the 2026 contest.
Submission deadline: February 28, 2026
Entry fees: No entry fee is stated for submissions, which places this call among options often searched as free photography contests.
How to Enter
Submit one image by email.
Send a JPG file (no less than 2,500 pixels on its longest side).
Use the subject line: “PhotoContest 2026 + Category”.
In the email text, include the photographer’s full name, location, and a detailed description of the image, including where and when it was taken and what the scene shows. Finalists may be asked to answer additional questions about the image.
About the Jury
Rest of World reviews submissions and selects 15 finalists in each category. Winners and honorable mentions are then chosen by a combination of Rest of World members and a judging panel. The Member’s choice category is explicitly tied to members selecting the best technology photos from the submissions.
Why Enter Rest of World’s Photography Contest?
This contest is built around context, which makes it appealing to photographers whose strongest work includes a clear sense of place and story. The requirement to submit a detailed description pushes entrants to pair image and narrative, a format that suits photographers who document how tools, screens, and infrastructure shape daily life across different regions. With a worldwide scope, it also sits comfortably alongside international photography contests for anyone aiming to place their work in a truly global mix.
It is also simple to enter. One image only, a clear theme, and a direct email submission process. Add the fact that there are category-based cash awards and finalist visibility, and it becomes a practical pick when you are comparing other best photography contests that focus on current, real-world subjects rather than broad, abstract prompts.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Rest of World’s Photography 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
Each photographer may submit a single image created within the last two years.
Submissions must follow the stated technical requirements and be emailed with the specified subject line and required details, or they may be disqualified.
Images must be original works created by the submitting photographer, who must own all relevant intellectual property and derivative rights.
Images should not be from previously commissioned freelance work for Rest of World.
Images must not infringe third-party rights, and must not include obscene, hateful, defamatory, or discriminatory content, or anything unlawful or contrary to U.S. laws and regulations.
Copyright and Image Usage
Submitted photographs remain the property of the photographer.
Finalists whose images are displayed across Rest of World platforms will be asked to sign separate licensing agreements and will be subject to Rest of World’s standard licensing terms.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
