Our annual World Photography Day contest kicks off August 3rd and if you haven’t joined us in Flickr contest festivities before, this is a great time to get started. Every year, we gather the community together to celebrate World Photography Day by hosting a contest that offers an opportunity for photographers to show off their own work while also being inspired by incredible photography submitted by photographers all over the globe. This year’s contest will offer members 5 different categories to compete in. Which means 5 chances at winning some awesome prizes and showing off your finest work to the Flickr community. So let’s get started. Introducing our categories!

Nature – Tag your photo with WPD26Nature – This category is for our nature lovers. If you find yourself trekking through the woods, pausing to appreciate a bird at your backyard birdfeeder, or enjoying the velvety petals of a houseplant, you can find a place in this category. Nature photos including landscapes, flowers and foliage, seascapes, astrophotography and more can be added to this one. 

People – Tag your photo with WPD26People – The people category invites you to show off your people skills. Candids, studio work, as long as there are people around, tag them for this category. Some frequent visitors in this category range from portraits, family shoots, documentary style shoots, weddings and so much more, get creative!

Animals – Tag your photo with WPD26Animals – All animals, from wild to domestic (so pets are welcome here) should be added under this category. From your adorable dog sleeping on the couch to a colony of penguins you spot on an adventure to the Bay of Isles (see below), submit your animal shots in this category. 

Urban – Tag your photo with WPD26Urban – Our urban category is a fan favorite. This category celebrates city scenes, architecture and structures, still life, and street art just to name a few.  

Film – Tag your photo with WPD26Film – Something new! This year we’re adding a special category for all of the film enthusiasts in the community. No matter the subject, if your photo is shot on film, then it can be entered into this category. We can’t wait to bring some more attention to the community’s gorgeous film photography. 

How to join?

Now you’ve got all the details, it’s time to join the fun. Head over to our World Photography Day Contest 2026 group and read through the full contest rules. Once you’ve got a handle on those, start looking for those photos that you want to enter into the running. Tag and share them to the photo pool to make your submissions official! The contest kicks off on Monday, August 3rd and will end at 9pm PT on World Photography Day, August 19th with winners being announced the last week of August!

The prizes!

This year’s category winners will each win a MODE Box that includes a VIP Pass to MODE, a brand new, unique photography festival that is taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 18th – 20th. We know your winning photos will be enjoyed by others so we’re also featuring your winning photo at MODE for the photography community to see your work! Winner’s will also take home a year of Flickr Pro. An amazing prize package that captures the World Photography Day spirit! So don’t wait, the contest is open today and runs through August 19th.

More questions? Find answers in the contest FAQs.