Competition Type: Professional & Student Photography
Eligibility: Global (Open to all countries)
Production Window: Work produced between March 2025 – March 2026
Deadline: March 13, 2026
Application Status: Open Now
Overview of the Opportunity
For 67 years, Communication Arts (CA) has honored the craft of talented photographers from around the world. The 2026 Photography Competition is one of the most prestigious competitions for creativity in the industry.
Winning this competition places you in the highest ranks of the profession. Selected entries are chosen by an international jury of distinguished creative directors and photographers. Winners are published in the Communication Arts Photography Annual (print and digital) and on commarts.com, providing massive exposure to art directors and art buyers worldwide.
⚠️ Important Note on AI: In support of human artists, Communication Arts will not accept AI text-to-image generated submissions.
Eligibility & Categories
Any photograph first published or produced from March 2025 through March 2026 is eligible. Entries may originate from any country.
Competition Categories
- Advertising: Ads, posters, music/product packaging.
- Books: Covers, jackets, interiors.
- Editorial: Consumer or trade magazines, newspapers.
- For Sale: Posters, prints, greeting cards, stock, gallery sales.
- Institutional: Annual reports, catalogs, corporate blogs/websites.
- Motion/Cinematography: Time-based media for film, TV, or web.
- Self-Promotion: Promo work for illustrators, agencies, etc.
- Unpublished: Experimental or personal work.
- Student Work: Photography or animation created for school assignments.
Submission Guidelines
All entries are processed through the online system. Please ensure your files meet the following specifications:
File Specifications
- Digital Images: Must be RGB in JPG format. Maximum file size: 2MB.
- Motion/Animation: Must be in MOV, MP4, or MPG format. Maximum file size: 500MB.
- Series vs. Single:
- Each photograph is a single entry.
- Campaigns/Series are limited to five (5) photographs and must be created for the same project.
Awards & Recognition
While there is no cash prize, the professional value of winning is immense.
- The Award: Winners receive the Award of Excellence, a personalized trophy milled from solid aluminum.
- Certificates: Issued for firms, individuals, and clients.
- Exposure: Publication in the Annual and a listing in a comprehensive index used by art buyers and designers globally.
Key Dates & Fees
- Standard Deadline: March 13, 2026 (Midnight Pacific Time).
- Late Entry Period: March 14 – March 27, 2026 (Requires a late fee of $10 per entry).
- Registration Closed: After March 27, 2026.
- Entry Fees: Specific fees for each category are available in the downloadable Category PDF on the official site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I edit an entry after submitting?
A: If you need to change anything, you must contact competition@commarts.com with your entry set number.
Q: What rights do I retain?
A: You retain all rights to your images. By entering, you grant CA the right to reproduce the image for the Annual and promotional materials only.
Q: How does judging work?
A: Judges view entries independently. A majority vote is required to move a project from screening to finals. Judges cannot vote on work they were involved in.
How to Enter
Prepare your digital files, credit information, and payment method (Credit Card, PayPal, or Wire Transfer).