News Photography Competition 2026 – Capture the Moment and Tell the Story
What’s happening around you? What’s the story behind the moment?
The News Photography Competition 2026 is looking for photographs that capture newsworthy moments, current events and stories that matter.
You don’t have to be a professional press photographer to take a great news photograph. Sometimes the most compelling images come from simply being in the right place at the right time – seeing something unfold and having the instinct to capture it.
From major events and sporting achievements to local stories, public gatherings, environmental issues, human-interest moments and unexpected events, we’re looking for photographs that tell us something about the world around us.
And it costs just £1 per image to enter, with unlimited entries.
What’s Your Story?
A great news photograph doesn’t simply show us what happened. It makes us want to know more.
Think about the story behind your image. Who is involved? What’s happening? Why does the moment matter?
It could be a major event that made the headlines or something much closer to home. It could be serious, thought-provoking, funny, unexpected or simply a moment that caught your attention.
The key is that your photograph should communicate something to the viewer.
What Makes a Great News Photograph?
Tell the Story
Look beyond the photograph itself and think about the story you’re documenting. A strong image should give the viewer an insight into what is happening and encourage them to look closer.
Capture the Moment
Timing is everything. Look for genuine reactions, interesting interactions and those decisive moments that can communicate an entire story in a single frame.
Look Beyond the Obvious
Don’t always concentrate on the main event. The people watching, the details in the background and the smaller moments happening around the action can sometimes tell an even more interesting story.
Keep It Authentic
News photography is about real moments. Look for photographs that give the viewer a genuine sense of being there and experiencing the event for themselves.
Consider the Context
Composition, background and perspective all matter. Think about how the surroundings contribute to the story and make sure distractions don’t take attention away from your subject.
Show Your Perspective
Two photographers can stand in the same place and come away with completely different photographs. Look for your own perspective and find a way of showing the story that feels distinctive to you.
You Don’t Have to Be a Press Photographer
News photography isn’t just about national headlines and professional photojournalists.
There are stories happening everywhere.
A local community event. A sporting achievement. An unusual moment in your town. A public gathering. An environmental story. A fascinating character. Something unexpected that made people stop and look.
Your photograph might document something important, or it might capture a lighter moment that simply makes people smile.
If it tells a story, we want to see it.
Enter for Just £1 Per Image
The News Photography Competition is open to all photographers, and you can enter as many images as you like.
£1 per image. Unlimited entries.
Choose your strongest news photographs and show us the moments, events and stories that have caught your eye.
Enter the News Photography Competition
Win Free Society Membership
There are great prizes up for grabs, with the top three photographers receiving complimentary Digital Membership of any of our Societies.
1st Place
One year free Digital Membership, including Professional Imagemaker for 12 months, plus access to:
- All membership-only competitions
- The members’ photography forum
- Members-only Facebook group
- Photography directory listing
- Qualifications and distinctions through image submission
- Professional Imagemaker digital magazine
2nd Place
Six months free Digital Membership, including the corresponding membership benefits.
3rd Place
Six months free Digital Membership, including the corresponding membership benefits.
The Deadline Is 30 November 2026
You’ve probably got more news photographs than you realise.
Take another look through your recent work. Think about local events you’ve photographed, sporting occasions, community gatherings, interesting characters, unexpected moments or anything else that tells a story.
You can enter as many images as you like, so don’t be afraid to submit more than one.
The closing date is 30 November 2026.
Enter the News Photography Competition
Ready to Tell the Story?
The world around us is full of stories.
Your job is to notice them.
What’s your story?
Enter the News Photography Competition 2026 for just £1 per image and show us what’s making the news through your photography.
