Win BIG with a single snap
Student Photographer of the Year is back: a space to showcase emerging talent, celebrate new perspectives and spotlight stories that matter.
Enter to kickstart your photography career, connect with like-minded students and have your work recognised by a global network of photography experts.
Check out what’s up for grabs for the class of 2026.
From entrants across the world, one super-talented student photographer will win:
Spotlight: feature in a flagship documentary and viral-ready cut-downs to amplify your story and impact to millions of viewers
Workshop: a career-boosting, in-person workshop on shooting, editing, storytelling and more with royal family and ocean conservation photographer, Matt Porteous.
Mentorship: two virtual mentorship sessions with Matt to hone your skills and take your photography skills to the next level
Gallery Day travel: an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the London exhibition
Tools: 12 months of Adobe Creative Cloud
OCL x Stubble&Co bag
One winner in each competition category gets their hands on:
Workshop: a career-boosting, in-person workshop on shooting, editing, storytelling and more with royal family and ocean conservation photographer, Matt Porteous.
Mentorship: two virtual mentorship sessions with Matt to hone your skills and take your photography skills to the next level
Gallery Day travel: an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the London exhibition, thanks to Trainpal
Tools: 3 months of Adobe Creative Cloud
OCL x Stubble&Co bag
Think you’ve got a scroll-stopper? This award celebrates the image that truly stands out from the crowd—the one that captures attention and stays with people.
As voted for by the student community, one winner will receive a brand-new iPhone 17 Pro. With three 48MP lenses and 4K 120fps video capture, that’s sure to transform your on-the-go photography!
Ready to enter? Upload your snap with a short video (or written alternative) explaining the story behind the photo. It’s free and open to all skill levels—rookie or pro.
Explore this year’s categories and find the best place for your entry.
Step outside and touch grass. From breathtaking landscapes to up-close details, this category is all about capturing nature’s unfiltered beauty. We’re looking for snaps that really make us pause, whether it’s flora, fauna or golden hour sunshine, celebrate the natural world in all its glory.
Enter now
Every picture tells a story. This category is about capturing people exactly as they are—emotions, identities, relationships, and everything in between. Think: intimate portraits, crowded street shots or candid documentary-style moments. Spotlight the moments that make us human.
Enter now
Some moments don’t wait… so neither should you. This category is all about movement, energy and impact in all its forms. From physical action like sport or performance, to wider collective action, like community moments or protests. We want images that feel alive and put us right in the middle of the action. Blink and you’ll miss it.
Enter nowFind out about our expert judges, who’ll be looking for the fresh perspectives and real moments that truly stand out from the crowd.
Co-Founder and Creative Director, Ocean Culture Life
Co-Founder and CEO, Ocean Culture Life
Last year, thousands of students showcased their unique perspectives. Our winners turned a single snap into career-boosting experiences, gaining expert mentorship and global recognition along the way.
Swipe to see the winning shots that set the bar high and get inspired to shoot your own.
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This September, our winners will be showcased in an exclusive London gallery event. It’s a chance to meet a global network of photography experts, connect with like-minded students and see your own work on the big stage.
Student Photographer of the Year 2026 is supported by
