Step into the world of architecture photography through our hand-picked list of architecture photo contests. These competitions offer more than a chance to showcase your skills behind the lens – they’re your ticket to sharing views of humanity’s most impressive structures. From sleek modern designs to timeless classics, this roundup features top-notch architecture photo competitions. By entering these contests, you’re not just vying for prizes (though those are great too). You’re opening doors for your work to reach art lovers worldwide. Whether you capture soaring skyscrapers or quaint country homes, these architecture photography contests help your unique perspective on the built world find its audience.
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List of architecture photography competitions
Below, you’ll find a chronological list of the top architecture photography competitions, sorted by month, to help you plan your submissions throughout the year. This list is your go-to resource for the latest opportunities. Keep an eye out for deadlines and submission guidelines to make the most of each competition.
Do you know of an architecture photography competition that is not on our list? Help us keep this resource up to date! Send it to us, and we’ll include it.
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
May 2025
September 2025
Why enter architecture photo contests?
Entering architectural photography competitions can be a great way to gain recognition, exposure and even financial rewards. These types of contests share a lot of elements with landscape photography contests, but applied to human constructions. This type of photography is curiously close, as most of us can enhance it from anywhere in the world, and at the same time it is complex in its development. An architectural photography competition is the perfect place to test your knowledge, be inspired by your rivals and, hopefully, be awarded a prize. Winning or placing first in a competition can enhance your portfolio and open doors to new professional opportunities, such as gallery exhibitions, articles in publications or even collaborations with architectural firms.
What do I need to enter an architecture photography competition?
Entering an architectural photography contest is really easy. Nowadays, in most places, you can get interesting pictures just by pulling out your mobile phone and clicking. However, getting a good architectural photograph that can stand out in a photography awards is usually more complex and requires more elements.
A good camera:
It is true that the camera does not make the photographer, but having good equipment allows you to use techniques and offer qualities that can be essential in an architectural photography challenge.
Know the theme of the contest:
Read the rules and theme of each competition carefully. Some may focus on modern architecture, while others may want entries that capture heritage sites or sustainable designs. Most are fairly open-ended, but always keep these details in mind.
Study your target:
Often, as you walk down the street, you will come across a building or construction that catches your eye and, with a little good eye, you can get a good shot. However, many places offer more than meets the eye if you study them a little. How and from where the sunlight strikes, how the windows reflect their surroundings, how the lighting affects them at night… there are a lot of factors that can significantly change the way we perceive the elements. If you want to stand out in an architectural photography contest (or in the category intended for this field in a contest) don’t lose sight of these elements.
High quality editions:
In architectural photography post-processing is an essential element. Correcting deformations caused by the lens or taking advantage of them, adjusting contrast, perspective and color balance or highlighting the right areas are processes that will help your image to have greater value and depth. Make sure your images have the right finish and you will have a better chance of standing out in any of the best architectural photography competitions.
Attention to detail:
Architectural photography requires precision. This type of photography usually requires a very high degree of preparation and work and in many of these photo contests the judges will decide which is the best photo based on small details. This means that you also have to pay attention and be demanding with your work.
All of these tips can help you stand out in architectural photography competitions, but we would like to add one last one that, although obvious, is still important. Practice and study your results and those of other photographers. Do not stop enjoying and looking for inspiration in other colleagues and every day you will grow a little more in this fascinating art.