International Day of Light Photo Contest — an international photography competition with a prize of $2,500
Sometimes light itself becomes the main subject of a photograph. It creates atmosphere, reveals details, transforms the way we perceive space, and helps tell a story without words. International photo contests offer an opportunity not only to present your work to a global audience but also to share your own perspective through a universal theme that resonates across cultures.
International Day of Light Photo Contest is an annual international photography competition organized by SPIE in celebration of the International Day of Light. Its goal is to showcase the importance of light in nature, science, technology, culture, and everyday life. The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and over from anywhere in the world.
Prize fund
Winners receive cash prizes:
— 1st Prize — $2,500;
— 2nd Prize — $1,000;
— 3rd Prize — $500;
— Judges’ Choice for Best of Science — $1,000.
The winning photographs are published across SPIE’s international platforms, used to promote the International Day of Light, and presented to a global audience with full author credit.
What kind of photographs are accepted
Participants are invited to creatively explore the theme of light in all its forms. Eligible submissions include:
— artistic photographs built around the creative use of light;
— natural phenomena and atmospheric effects;
— people, cities, and everyday life shaped by light;
— images related to scientific discoveries, lasers, optics, and modern lighting technologies;
— photographs created using telescopes, microscopes, or other scientific equipment;
— works that demonstrate how light influences our environment, society, and technological progress.
Who can apply
The competition is open to photographers aged 18 and over, regardless of nationality or professional experience. Each participant may submit up to two original photographs that have not been entered into this competition before. All photographs must have been taken after 16 May 2024.
Application requirements
To apply, participants should prepare:
— up to two photographs in JPEG/JPG or TIFF format;
— a title for each photograph in English;
— an Artist Statement in English describing the story behind the image, where and when it was taken, the equipment used, any post-processing applied, and how the work relates to the contest theme;
— images with a resolution of at least 300 dpi, a minimum of 3,000 pixels on the longest side, and a file size between 5 MB and 20 MB.
Important information
The use of generative artificial intelligence to create or combine images is not permitted. Only standard photo editing that does not alter the actual content of the image is allowed. Participants must certify that they are the creators of the submitted photographs and hold all necessary rights to them. Photographers from countries currently subject to U.S. government sanctions are welcome to participate, but they may not be eligible to receive cash prizes while those restrictions remain in force.
Why consider the International Day of Light Photo Contest
This competition values not only technical excellence but also the ability to reveal the familiar world from a fresh perspective. Light becomes a powerful artistic tool that connects art, nature, science, and technology. With an international jury, worldwide publication of the winning photographs, and broad public exposure, the contest offers an excellent opportunity to present your work to a global audience and strengthen your professional portfolio.
The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026.
The winners will be notified on 16 October 2026, and the official results of the competition will be published on 30 October 2026.
