Open Call for Environmental Photography Award

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The Environmental Photography Award is an annual photography competition launched by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to recognize photographers who use visual storytelling to raise awareness about environmental protection. The award celebrates the beauty of the planet, biodiversity, human-nature relationships, and the positive and negative effects of human activities on the natural world. The competition features five categories: Polar Regions, Forests, Ocean, Changemakers, and Humanity versus Nature. Winners are selected in each category, followed by a Grand Prize Winner. Public and Students’ Choice Awards are also determined through online voting. The Grand Prize Winner receives a €5,000 grant and an invitation to the exhibition opening in Monaco, including travel and accommodation. Each category winner receives €1,000, while the Public Award and Students’ Choice Award winners receive €500 each. All shortlisted photographers are featured in the exhibition and accompanying book. What Is the Environmental Photography Award? The Environmental Photography Award is a flagship initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation that uses photography to promote greater awareness of environmental protection. The award aims to showcase both the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Through compelling photographs, the competition explores the relationships between humans and nature and encourages photographers to document environmental challenges, biodiversity, landscapes, and human impacts on ecosystems. The initiative provides photographers with an international platform to communicate important environmental stories through powerful imagery. Environmental Photography Award Categories The competition includes five categories, each representing a different dimension of environmental photography and storytelling.

- Polar Regions: Photographs highlighting polar landscapes, wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental conditions in the world’s polar regions.

- Forests: Images focusing on forests, forest biodiversity, landscapes, ecosystems, and the relationship between people and forest environments.

- Ocean: Photography documenting marine environments, ocean biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and issues affecting the world’s oceans.

- Changemakers: Stories that highlight people, communities, or initiatives creating positive environmental change.

- Humanity versus Nature: Images exploring the positive or negative effects of human activities on the natural environment and the complex relationship between people and nature. What Does the Award Recognize? The Environmental Photography Award recognizes photographers who can communicate environmental issues and stories through strong visual narratives.

The competition seeks to highlight:

- The beauty of natural landscapes and ecosystems. - Biodiversity and wildlife. - The relationship between humans and nature. - Environmental challenges and threats. - The consequences of human activity on the natural world. - Positive environmental action and solutions. - Individuals and communities contributing to environmental protection. Environmental Photography Award Prizes The competition provides financial awards across several levels.

- Grand Prize Winner: €5,000 grant.

- Five Category Winners: €1,000 grant each.

- Public Award Winner: €500 grant.

- Students’ Choice Award Winner: €500 grant.

The Grand Prize Winner is selected from among the five category winners. The Grand Prize Winner also receives an invitation to the exhibition opening in Monaco, with travel and accommodation provided. Exhibition and Book Opportunities Recognition through the Environmental Photography Award extends beyond the financial prizes. All shortlisted photographers are featured in: - The Environmental Photography Award exhibition. - The accompanying award book. Each shortlisted photographer also receives two complimentary copies of the book, providing an opportunity to have their work published alongside other selected environmental photographers. Who Can Apply? The Environmental Photography Award is open to photographers of all nationalities. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older on 1 November 2026. The competition therefore provides an international opportunity for adult photographers interested in environmental storytelling and photography. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain individuals connected with the organization and competition are excluded from entering.

The following are not eligible:

- Employees or agents of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. - Employees or agents of Photocrowd. - Employees or agents of the competition sponsors. - Family members of the individuals listed above. These eligibility restrictions are intended to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fairness in the competition. Why Apply for the Environmental Photography Award? The award offers photographers more than financial recognition. It provides a platform to communicate environmental stories to a wider audience and contribute to greater awareness of environmental protection.

Key opportunities include:

- International recognition for environmental photography. - Financial grants for winning photographers. - Exhibition of shortlisted work. - Inclusion in the award book. - Complimentary copies of the published book. - An invitation to the exhibition opening in Monaco for the Grand Prize Winner. - An opportunity to use photography to promote environmental awareness. Key Facts at a Glance

- Award: Environmental Photography Award

- Organizer: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

- Focus: Environmental protection and photography

- Categories: Five

- Categories: Polar Regions, Forests, Ocean, Changemakers, and Humanity versus Nature

- Grand Prize: €5,000

- Category Prize: €1,000 for each of five category winners

- Public Award: €500

- Students’ Choice Award: €500

- Grand Prize Benefit: Travel and accommodation to the exhibition opening in Monaco

- Shortlisted Ph