While we hold our own regular internal competitions, many of our members look for challenges on a national or international stage. Below is a list of external photography competitions & salons that may be of interest.
Important disclaimer – please read
The list below is provided solely for information purposes. Swindon Photographic Society has no affiliation with and does not endorse any of the competitions listed.
While we make every effort to list reputable organizations, competition rules can change. It is your sole responsibility to read the Terms & Conditions of entry.
Always check the “Rights” section of any competition. Ensure you retain the copyright to your image and that the organisers do not claim an exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use your image for commercial purposes outside the context of the competition.
Salons
For a Salon to gain patronage from these organisations they need to agree to adhere to a set of pre- defined standards, and of course pay a fee. They all offer the facility to gain accreditation letters to follow your name, based on levels of success. Each of the links below will take you to a list of their approved contests
Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique (FIAP)
The most recognised salons worldwide.
https://www.myfiap.net/patronages
Photographic Society of America (PSA)
Probably the second most recognised salons after FIAP, and is a huge worldwide organisation.
https://listings.psaems.org/#ex-list
British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE)
Salons for UK residents only
http://www.britishphotographicexhibitions.org.uk/index.php/list-of-exhibitions
Competitions & Exhibitions
RPS Exhibitions
A selection of RPS touring exhibitions, call for entries, talks and events
https://rps.org/exhibitions
London Camera Exchange Photographer of the Year 2026
This free-to-enter competition features a £10,000 prize fund and 14 diverse categories, including a People’s Choice award determined by public vote.
https://poty.lcegroup.co.uk
Travel Photographer of the Year
A competition focused on travel and culture. Tends to run May – October each year.
https://www.tpoty.com
World Photography Awards
With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter.
https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards
World Street Photo Awards
The World Street Photo Awards invites photographers of all levels – professional, amateur, or student – to showcase powerful street photography that captures real moments and untold stories from around the globe.
https://worldstreetphotoawards.com
Annual Photo Awards
Looking specifically for those with a bold & innovative approach that disrupts traditional artistic standards, participants can submit entries in up to five categories. There are no restrictions on interpretation, creativity, or aesthetic; we accept all formats that showcase new talent and help grow the notoriety of photography as a fine art.
https://annualphotoawards.com/
If you have found a competition you think other members would enjoy, please email the webmaster at webmaster@swindonphotosoc.org.uk