The Motif Collective: Symmetry 2026

Show Us the World Through Your Eyes.

Symmetry is everywhere.

In architecture, nature, reflections, people, machines, landscapes, and the unexpected moments of everyday life.

Sometimes it is perfectly balanced. Sometimes it is almost symmetrical. And sometimes the most compelling images are those that break the rules just enough to make us look twice.

We want to see how you see it.

The Symmetry Photography Competition invites photographers from around the world to explore balance, repetition, reflection, structure, pattern, and visual harmony through their own unique perspective.

Whether you are an emerging photographer entering your first competition or an experienced professional with years behind the camera, this is an opportunity to have your work seen, judged, and celebrated on an international stage.

WHY ENTER?

$10,000 POTENTIAL AWARD POOL

Compete for a share of a potential $10,000 award pool, recognizing photographers whose work demonstrates exceptional vision, creativity, and execution.

INTERNATIONAL BLIND JUDGING

Every photograph is evaluated through an independent blind judging process. Judges see the image—not the photographer's name, reputation, location, or background.

PROFESSIONAL WINNER SHOWCASE

Winning and selected photographs will receive professional presentation and promotion through the competition's winner showcase, giving photographers an opportunity to put their work in front of a wider audience.

OPEN TO AMATEUR & PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

You don't need to be a professional to compete.

You need an image that makes people stop, look, and see symmetry in a new way.
Your photograph is what matters.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We aren't looking for photographs that simply contain symmetry.

We're looking for photographs that use symmetry to create something memorable.

That might be:
• A perfectly balanced architectural composition
• A striking reflection on water or glass
• Repeating patterns found in nature
• Human-made structures and geometric forms
• Unexpected symmetry in everyday life
• Mirrored landscapes
• Symmetrical portraits
• Repetition and rhythm
• Color, light, and shadow creating visual balance
• Near-symmetry or deliberately broken symmetry
• Abstract interpretations of balance and form
• Images where symmetry is discovered rather than obvious

Most importantly, we want to see your interpretation.

A technically perfect photograph isn't necessarily a great photograph. We're interested in the combination of vision, composition, creativity, and execution that makes an image stand apart.

SEEING SYMMETRY DIFFERENTLY

Symmetry doesn't always mean identical halves.

It can be found in repetition.
In rhythm.
In opposing shapes.
In reflections.
In the relationship between light and shadow.
In the way people interact with architecture.
In nature.
Or in something so ordinary that most people would walk right past it.

The challenge is to recognize it—and then make a photograph that communicates what you saw.

That's where photography becomes personal.

THE CHALLENGE

We challenge photographers to look beyond the obvious.

Don't simply photograph something because it is symmetrical.
Find the story within the symmetry.
Give us an image with a strong point of view.
Make us wonder how you found it.
Make us appreciate something familiar in an unfamiliar way.

The strongest entries may be technically precise.
They may be bold and graphic.
They may be quiet and subtle.
They may be beautifully simple.
They may even challenge our definition of symmetry.

There is no single way to see it.

THERE IS ONLY YOUR WAY.

WHO CAN ENTER?

The Symmetry Photography Competition is open to amateur and professional photographers worldwide, subject to the official competition rules.

Photographers may enter images created using a wide range of photographic approaches and techniques, provided they meet the competition's submission requirements.

Whether you shoot with a professional DSLR, mirrorless camera, film camera, or another photographic system, what matters most is the image you create.

THE JUDGING

Every eligible photograph will be judged on its own merits through our blind judging process.

Judges will not be influenced by the photographer's name, professional status, social following, or previous accomplishments.

We will focus on the photograph.

CREATIVITY
Does the photograph demonstrate an original or compelling interpretation of symmetry?

COMPOSITION
How effectively are balance, structure, perspective, space, and visual relationships used?

TECHNICAL EXECUTION
Does the image demonstrate control of focus, exposure, lighting, processing, and other relevant photographic techniques?

VISUAL IMPACT
Does the photograph immediately engage the viewer and remain memorable?

ORIGINALITY OF VISION
Does the photograph demonstrate a distinctive way of seeing?

YOUR IMAGE. YOUR VISION.

Photography is ultimately about seeing.

Two photographers can stand in exactly the same place, look at exactly the same subject, and walk away with completely different photographs.

That's what makes photography extraordinary.

We want to see what you see.

Find symmetry where others don't.
Show us symmetry in a way we haven't seen before.
And give us a reason to stop scrolling, stop walking, and take another look.

ENTER THE SYMMETRY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Bring us your strongest image.
Your most unexpected discovery.
Your most creative interpretation.
Your way of seeing the world.

SHOW US SYMMETRY THROUGH YOUR EYES.

Cash Awards up to $10,000 for the Top Three Photographers.

First Place also receives:
A free copy of ON1 Photo RAW

First, Second and Third Place Winners will also receive:
Three free paid copies each of Retouch4Me's photo retouching plugins

You retain the copyright of your work.

Submissions will only be used for the sole purpose of judging and promoting competitions.