Call for Nominations: NPRB Photography Awards (US)

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) Photography Awards support photographers of all skill levels, including youth, who capture Alaska’s marine ecosystems and the ways people connect with its waters. Cash awards of up to $1,000 are available for the Best Photo Story, along with awards for individual photographs and youth entries. The NPRB Photography Awards celebrate photography that highlights Alaska’s marine ecosystems and human connections to its waters. The competition welcomes photographs from coastal and offshore environments, showcasing Alaska’s diverse marine life and the different ways people interact with marine waters. The awards aim to highlight both the natural richness of Alaska’s marine ecosystems and the relationships between people and the marine environment. NPRB is particularly interested in photographs that capture Alaska’s marine environments and the people who depend on, study, and interact with them.

Relevant subjects include:

A key focus of the competition is showing how people interact with and depend on Alaska’s marine waters. NPRB particularly seeks images depicting people involved in: These photographs can help illustrate the relationship between Alaska’s communities, industries, researchers, and marine ecosystems. The competition also encourages photographers to combine photography and writing to tell a collective story about Alaska’s marine waters. Each entrant can submit one photo story consisting of: The Best Photo Story receives a $1,000 cash award. The competition includes several categories recognising different aspects of Alaska’s marine environment. This category focuses on photographs depicting Alaska’s coastal and offshore marine environments and landscapes. This category highlights Alaska’s diverse marine wildlife and ecosystems. This category focuses on the ways people interact with Alaska’s marine waters through activities such as research, fishing, diving, and subsistence. The competition offers the following awards: The awards provide recognition for both individual photographs and broader visual storytelling. The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels who are residents of the United States. Youth photographers can also participate in the youth categories. Photographers who are not U.S. residents and federal employees may submit photographs, but they are not eligible for cash awards. To qualify for the youth categories, photographers must be 18 years old or younger at the time of submission.

Youth participants can compete for:

Each entrant may submit a maximum of five images across all categories. In addition, each entrant may submit one photo story. The photo story can contain up to five images and 1,000 words. For each submitted photograph, entrants must provide: Applicants should ensure that all required information is included with each submission. The competition has specific restrictions designed to protect wildlife, photographers, people, and the environment.

The following are not allowed:

Entrants are responsible for ensuring that their photographs comply with these requirements. Photographs obtained under a marine mammal research permit require authorization from the Office of Protected Resources. The relevant permit number must be included directly on the photograph. Entrants using images obtained through permitted marine mammal research should therefore ensure that the required authorization and permit information are provided. The awards emphasize responsible photography of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. Photographers must not intentionally harass wildlife or damage the environment in order to obtain an image. Submissions should reflect responsible engagement with Alaska’s marine ecosystems and respect for wildlife and environmental protection. Photographers should choose images that clearly communicate the character of Alaska’s marine environments or the relationship between people and the waters.

A strong submission should:

For photo stories, entrants should use the combination of images and writing to create a clear and cohesive story. The NPRB Photography Awards recognise photographers who capture Alaska’s marine ecosystems and the ways people connect with its marine waters. Yes. Photographers who are 18 years old or younger at the time of submission can enter the youth categories. The best photograph in each of the Seascapes, Marine Life, and Human Connections categories receives a $700 cash award. Youth first place receives $300, while second place receives $100. Each entrant can submit a maximum of five images across all categories. Yes. Each entrant may submit one photo story containing up to five images and 1,000 words. NPRB particularly seeks photographs showing Alaska’s marine ecosystems and human connections involving marine research, diving, fishing, and subsistence activities. Yes. Non-U.S. residents may submit photographs, but they are not eligible for cash awards. Yes. Federal employees may submit entries but are not eligible for cash awards. No. Images of captive animals photographed in zoos and aquariums are prohibited. No. Photographs of pets or domestic animals are not allowed. No. Entries must not involve the willful harassment of wildlife. Entrants must select the appropriate category and provide a caption, location, and date for the photograph. Such photographs require authorization from the Office of Protected Resources, including the permit number directly on the photograph. The NPRB Photography Awards provide photographers with an opportunity to showcase Alaska’s marine ecosystems, wildlife, coastal environments, and the many ways people connect with marine waters. The competition welcomes photographers of different skill levels and provides dedicated opportunities for youth participants. With a $1,000 award for the Best Photo Story, $700 awards for the top photographs in three main categories, and additional youth prizes, the awards recognise both individual photogra