The Applied Arts 2026 Photography Awards are an internationally recognized photography competition celebrating excellence, creativity, and innovation in contemporary visual storytelling. Organized by Applied Arts Magazine, one of Canada’s leading art and design publications, the awards honor outstanding photography and motion imagery created for advertising, editorial, design, self-promotion, and personal projects. The competition provides a respected platform for photographers, directors, studios, agencies, and creatives to gain professional recognition within the global visual arts and creative industries.
Open to submissions from Canada, the United States, and internationally, the awards encompass more than 75 categories covering commercial, editorial, conceptual, fine art, documentary, and experimental photography, as well as motion and moving-image work. Both published and unpublished projects are eligible, allowing entrants to showcase commissioned assignments alongside independent and personal work. Submissions are evaluated by an international jury composed of leading creative directors, photographers, designers, and visual arts professionals, ensuring a rigorous and industry-relevant judging process.
Winning or being shortlisted in the Applied Arts Photography Awards offers substantial visibility and long-term professional value. Selected works are featured in the annual Photography, Illustration & Design Awards Annual, distributed to top creative agencies, studios, and decision-makers, and permanently archived in the online Winners Gallery and Awards Archive. This exposure positions the awards as a valuable career-building opportunity for photographers seeking recognition, credibility, and increased discoverability in competitive global markets.
Entry fees vary by category, with photography singles typically priced at $40 and series entries at $65 (with detailed fees in the official categories kit).
Eligibility
Open to photographers and cinematographers of all levels internationally, including professionals and enthusiasts, with students eligible only for the separate Student Awards competition.
Prize
Winners receive significant industry exposure, including publication in the Photography, Illustration & Design Awards Annual, showcase in the online Winners Gallery and Awards Archive, recognition by an international jury of creative professionals, and enhanced visibility to top advertising and design professionals, helping advance careers and potentially leading to further professional opportunities.
