Photographer of the Year is officially open for entries

We’re delighted to announce that our flagship annual competition, Photographer of the Year presented by Ted’s Cameras, is now open for 2026 entries.

For nearly 15 years, Photographer of the Year has become a respected platform for emerging amateur photographers across Australia and New Zealand.

For 2026, entrants will compete for a prize pool totalling more than $21,000, including $10,000 in cash prizes, with a curated selection of winning and runner-up images to be exhibited at Ted’s World of Imaging in Sydney.

In addition, more than 500 of the top images will be published in a dedicated Photographer of the Year edition of Australian Photography magazine in December 2026.

The competition features six portfolio categories — Landscape, Animal & Nature, People, Aerial, Travel and Black & White — along with three single-image categories: Single Shot, Creative and Junior (for photographers under 18).

For 2026, the overall Photographer of the Year award has been updated. Previously selected from the six portfolio category winners, it will now draw from a broader field, with all portfolios placed in the top 20 of their category eligible for a new Editor’s Choice Award.

This award will be selected by the team at Australian Photography to recognise a standout portfolio.

Entry is open to amateur photographers, as defined in the terms and conditions, who are citizens or residents of Australia or New Zealand.

A huge thank you to our principal sponsor Ted’s Cameras, along with supporting partners Momento, RAPS, Ilford, MIOPS, Haldex and WD.

Early bird entry pricing is available at $25 per entry ($15 for Junior) until 20 July 2026.

Entries can be submitted via the official competition website here.

Cover image: Andrew Raguse, top 20, Animal and Nature category, Photographer of the Year 2025.