Earth Photo
Earth Photo is a leading international programme of awards, exhibitions and events.
A platform for image-makers, the programme spotlights still and moving images that explore the natural world, its peoples and environments, and the urgent issues shaping our time.
Whether your work explores the ways people connect with nature, or the impacts of climate change on communities and ecosystems, Earth Photo wants to highlight the stories that show life on a changing planet.
Established in 2018, Earth Photo is a partnership between the Royal Geographical Society, Parker Harris and Photoworks. We are also pleased to acknowledge the contribution of founding partner Forestry England, whose early support helped to make Earth Photo possible.
Enter the Earth Photo 2026 competition
Each entrant may submit up to 10 works, either still or moving image. Entries are made online, with an entry fee of £15 per submission (covering up to 10 works).
Applicants must supply:
- A CV (up to 500 words)
- An artist statement (up to 250 words)
- A caption or statement for each submitted work (up to 100 words)
Artists are encouraged to enter by Monday 3 March 2026, 5.00pm GMT.
- Enter the competition at artopps.co.uk/opportunities/earth-photo25
Judging panel Earth Photo 2026
The Earth Photo shortlist will be selected by a selection panel from across the world of photography:
Peggy Sue Amison: Artistic Director and Curator of East Wing gallery in Qatar/UAE and Berlin. She has served as a nominator and juror for numerous photography awards.
Emma Bowkett: Director of Photography for the FT Weekend Magazine (Financial Times), based in London. She is also known for her work as a curator and is a visual art advisor for the HOUSE festival.
Shahidul Alam: Renowned Bangladeshi photographer, curator, and activist. He is the director of the Chobi Mela Festival of Photography and the managing director of the Drik India Media Agency.
Serubiri Moses: Ugandan curator, writer, and educator based in New York. He teaches Art History at Hunter College, and is Visiting Faculty at the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College. He has curated international exhibitions, and was part of the curatorial team for the 10th Berlin Biennale.
Yining He: Researcher and curator of visual arts based in China with over 50 curated group exhibitions across China and Europe. Her scholarly contributions have been published widely in both Chinese and English, and she has founded two photography journals.
Louise Fetodov-Clements: As Director of Photoworks Louise leads the strategic vision and artistic direction of the organisation including exhibitions, biennial festival, commissions, learning and engagement, publishing and digital content.
Awards offered for Earth Photo 2026
Earth Photo 2026 offers a range of awards recognising outstanding photography and moving image work.
Earth Photo Award: £1,000 for an outstanding project telling a powerful story about life on Earth.
Climate of Change Award (Royal Geographical Society): £500 for work exploring the impacts of climate change or showing resilience and innovative adaptation.
Moving Image Award: £500 for an outstanding short film.
Sidney Nolan Trust Residency Prize: A two-week UK residency at The Rodd, with access to Nolan’s photographic archive.
David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Awards: Two £250 prizes for practitioners aged 25 or under (one stills, one moving image), each with mentoring.
New Scientist Editors Award: Mentoring and the potential for a feature in Aperture or an online video article.
Photoworks Digital Residency: A digital presentation of the artist’s work, plus £400.
Earth Photo exhibitions
Selected works will be exhibited at the Royal Geographical Society in London, from 26 June to 22 July 2026, followed by a UK tour to partner venues including historic properties, cultural organisations, and landmark gardens.
- You can still see the 2025 winners and shortlisted entries on various locations across the UK until 1 March 2026.
