Chasing the Light: 5 things to do BEFORE you enter the Landscape Awards 2026
It’s the moment every landscape photographer dreams of: your work, side by side with some of the most breathtaking imagery from around the region, all vying for recognition in The Landscape Awards 2026.
But before you hit submit, here are five essential things to keep in mind to make sure your images stand out.
1. Honour the story behind the scene
Every landscape has a story, and our judges are drawn to images that communicate more than just beauty—they want to feel the place through your eyes.
Spend time considering what makes your scene unique and how you can convey that with composition, perspective, timing and your edit.
2. Check your technical quality
Take a close look at your entry. Make sure it is sharp, well-exposed, and the colours feel natural. Small details like stray highlights, shadows, or noise can distract, so tidy them up if needed.
A clean, polished image always makes a stronger impression, and you don't want a technicality to be the one thing that rules you out. Remember that you can always email us to replace an entry BEFORE the competition closes too.
3. Composition is King (and Queen)
Even the most stunning locations can be undermined by a weak composition. Think about how the lines, shapes, and elements within your frame contribute to the shot. Leading lines, foreground interest, and balanced negative space can elevate your image from good to award-worthy.
Also, think about how everything sits in the frame. A clear subject, interesting foreground, and natural lines can guide the viewer’s eye and make the image more engaging. Remove anything that pulls attention away from your main scene.
2. Follow the submission guidelines
Read the rules carefully. Make sure your files match the required format, size, and resolution. Make sure you're familiar with the ins-and-outs of what editing is permitted, and other technicalities that we see throw photographers every year - the date of image capture is a classic.
Following the guidelines ensures your images get to the judges without any issues and give you the best chance of good results.
5. Show your unique perspective
The Landscape Awards aren’t just about capturing what everyone else sees—they’re about showing what you see. Experiment with angles, light, and mood. Sometimes the most striking images are those that challenge expectations or reveal the familiar in a completely new way.
About the Landscape Awards 2025: Now in its fourth year The Landscape Awards, presented by Western Digital, is looking for Australia’s and New Zealand’s best landscape photographers. Winners and Runners-up will share in a prize pool valued at more than $22,000, including $8,000 cash plus an OM-3 camera kit, EIZO monitor and gear from WD.
Also, the Top 20 entries in each category will be showcased in Australian Photography magazine and at www.australianphotography.com.
Fundraising: $2 from each entry will go to The Wilderness Society to help them protect, promote and restore wilderness areas across Australia. Since 2023 The Landscape Awards has raised over $25,000 for environmental charities.
Cover image: Carl Nehore, 9th, Seascape category, The Landscape Awards 2025.