Entries are invited for the World Press Photo Contests 2021. The annual World Press Photo Contest honours photographers for the best single-exposure photos that have contributed to the past year of visual journalism. Whether entered as singles or stories, these images are judged in terms of their accurate, fair and visually compelling insights into our world

Deadline: 12 January 2021

The World Press Photo Contest recognises the best visual journalism and awards visual stories in eight categories:

• Contemporary Issues
• Environment
• General News
• Long-term projects
• Nature
• Portraits
• Sports
• News spot

Prizes

• The winners of the World Press Photo of the Year and the World Press Photo Story of the Year each receive €5,000.
• All the winning photographers will be invited to a small online festival, including the announcement of the winners, presentations, talks and networking opportunities for the winners to connect with a select group of judges, editors and industry professionals.
• The winning photographs are brought together in a year-long worldwide exhibition.
• The winning photos are also published on the World Press Photo website, on our social media platforms, and in its annual yearbook, which is available in several languages.

Eligibility

• Open to professional photographers only. Each participant needs to provide a document with a valid date that commits their current professional status. Examples of documents that count as proof include, but are not limited to:
  • A recent reference letter (must be from 2019 or 2020) from a photo agency, photo editor, media organisation or publication;
  • Membership document from a recognised photographic association showing that the photographer is a professional member;
  • At least 1 tearsheet showing your photo/s from 2019 or 2020, with your name visible as a credit, either in online or printed format from a recognised media organisation or publication;
  • Journalism union membership card;
  • Press card.
• Team entries of two or more photographers are permitted. Proof of professional status is required per team.
• The photographer must be the author of the photos sent on their behalf.
• The photographer or the agent or representative entering on their behalf must be the copyright holder or have been authorised by the copyright holders to submit the photos.
• An image can only be entered once, either as a single image or as part of a story, or as part of a body of work in Long-Term Projects. Photos submitted more than once will be removed from the competition.
• Images can be uploaded whether or not they have been published.

Application

For more information, visit the World Press.