The 2025 Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition is an event designed to celebrate and highlight the most captivating mountain-themed photo essays from around the world. This competition seeks to provide a platform for photographers to showcase their unique perspectives and storytelling abilities through a curated series of still images. By focusing on mountain landscapes, the competition emphasizes the beauty, diversity, and grandeur of mountainous regions, encouraging participants to explore and depict various aspects of these majestic environments.
Participants are invited to submit photo essays that delve into a wide array of mountain-related narratives, including but not limited to culture, adventure, wildlife, sports, environmental conservation, and natural history. This broad scope allows photographers of all backgrounds and specialties to contribute their work, fostering a rich and diverse collection of stories that reflect the multifaceted nature of mountain ecosystems. Whether capturing the thrill of extreme sports, the serene beauty of untouched wilderness, or the intricate relationships between local communities and their natural surroundings, the competition welcomes essays that offer deep insights and compelling visual storytelling.
The judging panel is particularly interested in photo essays that present a coherent and engaging narrative through a sequence of images. Each photograph should possess the strength to stand alone as a powerful image while seamlessly contributing to the overarching story when viewed in succession. This balance between individual impact and collective harmony is essential for creating a memorable and impactful essay. By emphasizing both technical excellence and narrative depth, the **Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition** aims to identify and reward works that not only capture stunning visuals but also convey meaningful and thought-provoking stories about the mountain landscapes and the lives intertwined with them.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to both amateur and professional photographers. Images must have been taken within the last two years (2024–2025).
Prize
The Grand Prize winner will receive $3,000 CAD. The winning essay will be displayed as part of the 2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival exhibitions, providing significant exposure to a global audience of mountain and outdoor enthusiasts. Finalists may also have their work displayed during the Festival.
