The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived!
We are officially launching our most prestigious event of the calendar: the PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026 competition.
This isn’t just a one-off contest; it’s a year-long journey designed to challenge your creativity, sharpen your technical skills, and celebrate the incredible talent within our community.
We are delighted to welcome DxO Labs as the competition sponsor, with the prize of a NIK Collection software license for the overall winner!
How the Competition Works
While there are no prizes for the individual heats, the prestige of placing is high. For each of the five heats, our judges will select:
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
- 2 Highly Commended
- 2 Commended
These seven standout images from each heat will automatically qualify for the Grand Final. With 35 elite images making it to the final stage, the competition will be fierce!
At the end of the year, we will bring those 35 qualifying images together for a final showdown. While the journey provides the experience, there can only be one PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year.
Full Rules for Competition can be found here
The 2026 Heats
Important dates and information for each heat…
PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026 – Heat 1
Theme: Scapes
Definition: Any image depicting our physical environment. This can be land, sea, urban, rural, city etc. People and animals may be included in the scene providing they are ancillary or supportive to the main subject.
Entry Opens: 9.00am on 22nd January 2026
Closing Date: 11.59pm on 12th February 2026 (or when 35 entries have been received)
Judging Date: 19th February 2026
PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026 – Heat 2
Theme: Monochrome
Definition: An image captured or rendered using only shades of neutral grey, spanning the full range from pure white to solid black. It can also refer to an image that has been converted to or consists of a single hue (colour) throughout its tonal range.
Entry Opens: 9.00am 26th March 2026
Closing Date: 11.59pm on 16th April 2026 (or when 35 entries have been received)
Judging Date: 23rd April 2026
PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026 – Heat 3
Theme: Visual Art
Definition: Images may be based on one or more original photographic images i.e. a composite or use of textures.Creative photography communicating a unique artistic vision. Images should convey design, emotion, mood, or meaning, encouraging viewers to look beyond the subject. Inspirations may include art movements (surrealism, abstract, etc.). Images must be solely camera-produced or creatively altered by the photographer; no generative AI is permitted. Composites or texture use based on original photographic images are allowed.
Entry Opens: 9.00am on 21st May 2026
Closing Date: 11.59pm on 11th June 2026 (or when 35 entries have been received)
Judging Date: 18th June 2026
PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026 – Heat 4
Theme: Open
Definition: Photography of any style, subject or genre. Images will typically include nature, street, people, landscape etc.
Entry Opens: 9.00am on 23rd July 2026
Closing Date: 11.59pm on 13th August 2026 (or when 35 entries have been received)
Judging Date: 20th August 2026
PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026 – Heat 5
Theme: People
Definition: An image where a person or people are the main subject of the photograph. A photograph where the main subject is one or more people, regardless of setting (studio or environmental) or number (single to infinite). The surroundings should only complement the person(s). This can include showing the culture, work, or dress of people within a country.
Entry Opens: 9.00am on 17th September 2026
Closing Date: 11.59pm on 8th October 2026 (or when 35 entries have been received)
Judging Date: 15th October 2026
PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026 – The Final
All 35 images (7 from each heat) judged together to announce the PhotoClub247 Photographer of the Year 2026
Judging Date: 10th December 2026
Why Enter?
The Photographer of the Year competition is about more than just the final result; it’s about the journey. We want to give you a reason to get out into the fresh air, explore new locations, and see the world through your viewfinder with fresh eyes.
The real value of participating lies in the feedback. Each heat will be evaluated by leading camera club judges who bring years of expertise to the table. Having your work critiqued by these experts is one of the fastest ways to grow as a photographer and refine your technical and artistic eye.
Good luck!
