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Win a Solo Exhibition this October, Open Theme. Juror Aline Smithson.
Win a Solo Exhibition this October, Open Theme. Juror Aline Smithson.

10 Best Street Photography Contests Every Photographer Should Enter

Posted on September 18, 2025 - By Sandrine Hermand-Grisel
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Street photography captures fleeting moments that reveal the heart of urban life. For photographers, contests are more than competitions—they are gateways to recognition, exposure, and career growth. Here are 10 of the best street photography contests, explained with what makes each unique.Street photography is one of the most exciting and dynamic genres in contemporary photography. It captures raw, fleeting moments that reveal the rhythm, energy, and hidden stories of urban life—from bustling city streets to quiet back alleys. For photographers, entering street photography contests is about far more than competition. These opportunities open doors to international recognition, portfolio exposure, and professional growth. Winning or even being shortlisted can place your work in front of curators, gallerists, editors, and collectors, giving your photography visibility that lasts well beyond the contest itself.

Whether you’re an emerging street photographer looking to build your name or an experienced professional seeking broader exposure, these contests provide a global stage to showcase your vision. Some offer cash prizes, others guarantee publication in respected magazines or exhibitions in major cities—but all of them share one goal: celebrating the diversity and power of street photography today.

In this article, we’ve gathered 10 of the best street photography contests every photographer should enter, explaining what makes each one unique, what prizes and exposure they offer, and why they matter for your career.

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LensCulture Street Photography Awards
LensCulture Street Photography Awards
LensCulture Street Photography Awards
LensCulture Street Photography Awards
Why it stands out: LensCulture is one of the most influential online photography platforms, with a massive global audience and partnerships with galleries and festivals. Its street photography awards highlight innovation and storytelling in the genre.

Prizes: Cash awards up to $10,000, plus opportunities for exhibitions.

Exposure: Winners and finalists are featured on LensCulture, included in international traveling exhibitions, and promoted to curators and editors worldwide.

Why it matters: Few platforms match LensCulture’s reach. Even being shortlisted can significantly boost a photographer’s visibility and career opportunities.

World Street Photography Awards
 World Street Photography Awards
 World Street Photography Awards
 World Street Photography Awards
Why it stands out: Dedicated exclusively to street photography, this contest celebrates authenticity and the human condition through candid imagery.

Prizes: Cash prizes, photobook publications, and exhibition opportunities.

Exposure: Winning work is published in a high-quality annual photobook and exhibited in major European photography festivals.

Why it matters: This is one of the rare contests that produces a collectible book every year, giving winners a permanent presence in the street photography world.

AAP Magazine – Street
AAP Magazine – Street
AAP Magazine – Street
AAP Magazine – Street
Why it stands out: AAP Magazine is one of the few contests that ensures winners are published in print as well as online. Each “Street” issue celebrates the diversity and power of street photography, featuring work from photographers worldwide.

Prizes: Cash awards for the top 3 winners. Publication for 25 winners.

Exposure: Winning and finalist images are published in the print edition of AAP Magazine and featured on All About Photo, offering permanent visibility.

Why it matters: Unlike many online-only contests, AAP Magazine guarantees your work will be part of a collectible printed issue, seen by an international audience of curators, gallerists, editors, and photography enthusiasts.

The Independent Photographer – Street Photography Award.
 The Independent Photographer – Street Photography Award.
 The Independent Photographer – Street Photography Award.
 The Independent Photographer – Street Photography Award.
Why it stands out:With monthly competitions judged by acclaimed photographers, The Independent Photographer provides constant opportunities for recognition. Its street photography award is among its most popular.

Prizes: Up to $2,000 in cash prizes.

Exposure: Winners are published online, featured in curated collections, and shared with a large community of photography enthusiasts.

Why it matters: The frequent calls and high-profile jurors make this contest an accessible yet prestigious platform to showcase your work.

Paris International Street Photo Awards (PISPA)
 Paris International Street Photo Awards (PISPA)
 Paris International Street Photo Awards (PISPA)
 Paris International Street Photo Awards (PISPA)
Why it stands out:Hosted in Paris, the birthplace of street photography, this competition embraces both tradition and modernity in the genre.

Prizes: International exhibitions in Paris, awards, and features.

Exposure: Winners’ work is shown in Paris galleries and promoted across international media and online channels.

Why it matters: Paris is synonymous with street photography. Winning here associates your work with one of the most iconic locations in the field.

Miami Street Photography Festival (MSPF)
Miami Street Photography Festival (MSPF)
Miami Street Photography Festival (MSPF)
Miami Street Photography Festival (MSPF)
Why it stands out: MSPF is one of the most prestigious street photography contests, held during Art Basel Miami—one of the world’s biggest art events.

Prizes: Finalist exhibitions, recognition, and opportunities to attend the festival.

Exposure: Work is exhibited before an international audience of art lovers, collectors, and curators during Art Basel.

Why it matters: The timing and location provide unmatched visibility. Being part of MSPF means your work is showcased on one of the most important stages for contemporary art.

London Street Photography Festival
London Street Photography Festival
London Street Photography Festival
London Street Photography Festival
Why it stands out:This festival focuses solely on street photography, celebrating both established and emerging voices in the genre.

Prizes: Exhibition in London, awards, and features.

Exposure: Winning images are exhibited in London and promoted widely through media and festival partners.

Why it matters: London’s rich cultural scene and international reputation make this a must for photographers seeking exposure in Europe.

Urban Photo Awards (Trieste, Italy)
Urban Photo Awards (Trieste, Italy)
Urban Photo Awards (Trieste, Italy)
Urban Photo Awards (Trieste, Italy)
Why it stands out: While not limited to street photography, this contest has a strong street category and is linked to the Trieste Photo Festival.

Prizes: Cash prizes, exhibitions, and photobook publication.

Exposure: Finalists are exhibited at the festival and featured in the annual Urban Book.

Why it matters: Urban Photo Awards bridges multiple genres, offering broader exposure and opportunities beyond street photography alone.

Lomography Street Photography Award
Lomography Street Photography Award
Lomography Street Photography Award
Lomography Street Photography Award
Why it stands out: Celebrating analog and experimental photography, this award encourages creativity and unique perspectives on urban life.

Prizes: Film, gear, and Lomography shop vouchers.

Exposure: Winners are published across Lomography’s global community platforms, reaching thousands of analog enthusiasts.

Why it matters: For film photographers, Lomography is the perfect platform to showcase alternative, artistic visions of the streets.

Life Framer: Street Life
Life Framer: Street Life
Life Framer: Street Life
Life Framer: Street Life
Why it stands out: Life Framer is known for its expertly curated contests, judged by world-renowned photographers, curators, and editors. The Street Life theme highlights the vibrancy and spontaneity of everyday encounters across the globe.

Prizes: Cash prizes for winners, plus exposure through international exhibitions.

Exposure: Winning work is featured online, promoted to a large photography community, and exhibited in galleries in cities such as London, Paris, and Rome.

Why it matters: Life Framer combines prestige with accessibility. Being exhibited alongside other talented street photographers ensures that your work reaches both professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

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