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Hey, photo fam — it’s go time. If you’ve been sitting on killer shots, wild landscapes, jaw-dropping portraits, or those “wait until I get home and edit this” moments, March 2026 is your moment to shine. The calendar’s loaded with best photo contests that pay, get your work seen, and straight-up build your reputation. But listen — these deadlines don’t wait. They slide in fast like a last-minute edit before jury review closes. So if you’re thinking “maybe later,” trust me — that’s procrastination talking, and you’ll miss out.
From prestigious global awards to niche genres that vibe with your style — wildlife, black & white, travel, mobile shots — there’s a contest out there with your name on it. Some give cash, some hear your story, some plaster your image across magazines and exhibitions. And yep, the clock’s ticking down to March 31st 2026 — meaning now’s when you gotta put your best foot — and best frame — forward.
Whether you’re an Insta star looking to level up, a pro chasing major exposure, or a hobbyist hyped to see your images take center stage, these contests are where opportunity meets your lens. I’ve pulled together the 10 best photography competitions with deadlines before March 30th that you seriously don’t want to sleep on — complete with themes, perks, and why each one is worth your submit button.
So buckle up. This isn’t your usual list — it’s a roadmap to deadlines, prizes, and moments that could flip the script on your creative career. Let’s get those entries in — and maybe bring home a win that changes your photography game forever.
1. Hasselblad Masters 2026
Deadline: February 28, 2026
If there’s a contest that screams prestige, Hasselblad Masters has it. This isn’t just another award — winners get gear, cash, and massive exposure. The competition spans landscape, portrait, street, architecture, fine art, and wildlife. Folks can enter using gear from any camera, digital or film — yes, even vintage bodies — making it super inclusive. The prize pool? Think €5,000 cash plus a spotlight in the Hasselblad Masters Photography Book and global marketing promo. If you want your work in front of editors, curators, and collectors, this one’s major. And it’s entirely free to enter — so there’s no excuse not to toss in a couple of your best frames before that February deadline hits.
2. iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS)
Deadline: March 31, 2026
For mobile shooters, this contest is literally the benchmark. It celebrates photography made with iPhones and iPads — yes, that includes every snap you’ve been perfecting in your camera roll. Categories range from citylife and landscape to nature, portrait, and abstract, giving every style a shot at glory. The entry fee starts at around $7.50 per image, which feels like nothing compared to the exposure this contest offers. Your photo could end up featured globally and used in major promotional campaigns. Don’t sleep on this, especially if you’ve been capturing stunning moments on mobile — entry’s easy, iconic, and worth your time.
3. National Geographic Traveller Competition
Photo by: Scott Antclife
Deadline: March 22, 2026
If travel photography makes your heart beat faster, this is one of the most coveted contests out there. Open to photographers worldwide, the themes are broad — urban, wildlife, landscape, aerial, people, and food — meaning you can submit shots from trips that shaped you creatively. Winners score an 11-day self-drive adventure for two in British Columbia (yes, real mentorship and epic scenery included), plus publication in National Geographic Traveller UK. There’s also category prizes and mentorship sessions with editors. It’s a massive platform that doesn’t just give you a trophy — it gives you a story in print and online.
4. ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026
Deadline: March 2, 2026
Astro shooters, this one’s for you. This competition challenges you to capture everything from comets and planets to aurorae and star-studded skies. With categories for both adults and young photographers, this isn’t just niche — it’s global recognition in one of the toughest genres out there. Winners can take home up to £10,000, plus annual subscriptions and bonus prizes. Even if you’re first trying astrophotography or have a reel full of long exposures, this contest lets your night shots do the talking.
5. KLPA Portrait Prize: A Stranger’s Face – Travel Portraits
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Portrait photographers, this is a sweet spot if your strength is people and stories. The KLPA Portrait Prize celebrates human connections through travel and was born to highlight faces that tell epic tales — whether through fleeting streetscapes or moments gathered far from home. It’s perfect for fine art, documentary-style portraiture, and travel storytelling. The deadline makes this a killer pick before March ends.
6. Nature Photography Competition — Milvus Photocontest
Photo by: Siman Laszlo
Deadline: March 20, 2026
Wildlife and nature shooters, your time is now. This contest is tailored for photos that spotlight the natural world — animals in action, landscapes, and ecological stories that hit home. Closing just a bit before March wraps up, it’s an ideal chance to get seasonal shots entered while the judges are still looking for standout nature work. Whether you shot a bird mid-flight or a misty forest sunrise, this contest gives your images a global platform.
7. Belfast Photo Festival Open Call
Deadline: March 3, 2026
Looking for a festival opportunity where your work could be showcased physically in exhibitions? Belfast’s Photo Festival open call invites photographers across themes and styles. It’s an awesome mix of traditional photography and narrative work, and getting selected could mean festival exposure alongside connections with curators and designers. If you’re ready to see your work exhibited internationally, this is a contest you’ll want to chase early in the month.
8. All About Photo Solo Exhibition Call
Deadline: March 17, 2026
Solo artists, this one’s built for you. Rather than fighting for a single shot in a category, this competition lets you submit a cohesive body of work with the potential for solo exhibition exposure. Whether your project is documentary, fine art, or thematic storytelling, the Solo Exhibition call gives you space to show off your narrative skills. This is a huge chance for creatives who think beyond the single frame and want a bigger stage for their vision.
9. PhMuseum 2026 Photography Grant
Photo by: Christopher Gregory-Rivera
Deadline: February-March 2026
For photographers focused on long-term projects and serious artistic growth, the PhMuseum grant is more than just a contest — it’s career support. Winners get cash prizes, solo screenings, portfolio reviews, and features in both online and printed annuals. It’s about storytelling, voice, and idea — and it’s open globally. If you want attention from curators and platforms that celebrate new voices, this grant is worth your shot.
10. International Photo Awards (IPA) 2026
Deadline: April 30, 2026 (still worth entry before March 30)
IPA is a heavyweight name in the photo contest scene, with categories spanning people, fine art, travel, and more. Although its final deadline stretches to April, crazy early bird attention and potential judging windows make submitting before March 30 a smart move. It’s international, respected, and can get your work featured in exhibitions and publications around the world.
In Summary
What are the best photo contests to enter in March 2026?
Top picks include Hasselblad Masters, iPhone Photography Awards, National Geographic Traveller, ZWO Astronomy Photographer, and KLPA Portrait Prize.
When do these contests close?
Most key contests close before March 30, 2026 — from early March (ZWO) to late March (iPhone Photography Awards).
Can amateur photographers enter these contests?
Yes — many contests like IPPAWARDS and KLPA Portrait Prize welcome photographers of all levels.
Are there international photography contests with cash and gear prizes?
Absolutely — contests like Hasselblad Masters and ZWO Astronomy Photographer offer cash, exposure, or gear.
How should I prepare to submit before March deadlines?
Select your best work, check contest rules and fees, and upload submissions ASAP — deadlines come quick.
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