Entries to the 2026 World Press Photo Contest are open from 1 December 2025,13.00 CET until 17 January 2026,13.00 CET (Amsterdam time).
Here are a few, easy steps to get you started:
1. Make sure you have the correct document(s) to confirm your status as a professional photographer.
This does not have to be a press card, there are several other ways to provide this information. For example, a membership document or recommendation letter from a recognized photographic association or at least one proof of publication from 2024 or 2025, with your name visible as credit. Take a look at our
entry rules to see which documents we accept as proof.
Did you know?
If you are part of a team or collective, you can also submit your work to the contest. As long as every team member provides proof of professional status, we’d be very glad to review your registration.
2. Decide on which of your best work you’d like to enter into the contest.
You can enter your work to three categories: Singles, Stories, and Long-Term Projects. Take some time to familiarize yourself with these
categories.
Did you know?
There is no limit to how many projects can be entered, but a photograph can only be entered once to the contest, either as a Single, as part of a Story or as part of a Long-Term Project.
3. Read through the entry rules, even if you have entered the contest in the past.
We make adjustments every year so make sure you understand the do’s and don'ts for the 2026 Contest.
Read the entry rules.
Did you know?
Your work does not have to be published to be eligible for our contest. Photographs can be submitted whether or not they have been published.
4. Start writing captions for your photograph(s).
Writing captions for each individual photograph that you enter to the contest can be time consuming. We recommend starting this process early. You can already take a look at our
guidelines for writing captions.
Did you know?
All entries must have accurate captions and descriptions, written in English. If the captions have been translated, please also provide the original caption.
5. Take some time to go through our code of ethics.
As a photographer, you must not intend to mislead by recreating or staging events. If you have any direct influence over the scene, such as reenactments or posed portraits, please let us know in the captions. You must also ensure that consent of those you have photographed has been appropriately handled. More info on both of these points can be found in the code of ethics.
6. Familiarize yourself with our regional model.
The 2026 World Press Photo Contest works with six global regions: Africa; Asia Pacific and Oceania; Europe; North and Central America; South America; and West, Central, and South Asia. Entries will be judged according to the region in which they were shot. Learn more about which countries fall under each region and more about the judging process.
Did you know?
Selecting the region requires no work from you. Once you have submitted your project(s) to the appropriate categories (Singles, Stories and/or Long-Term Projects), your work will be sorted into the relevant region(s) ahead of the judging process.
Do you want to be notified about any upcoming announcements regarding the 2026 Contest? Sign up here.
Are you looking for more specific information? Visit one of the following pages to find out more about:
Image credit: John Moore, Getty Images
