Awards & Entry Fees
The UPOTY award programme, winner benefits, entry prices and submission details in one overview. All cash awards and entry fees are in US dollars.
Awards & Recognition
Compare the complete UPOTY winner benefits. Category winners receive publication and recognition benefits; there is no category cash prize.
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare all award groups. The benefit column stays in view.
| Award benefit | Urban Photographer of the Year | Discovery Photographer of the Year | Urban Perspective Award 2026 | Category Winners | Top 3 Finalists | All Accepted Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 USD cash prize | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| $500 USD cash prize | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| UPOTY trophy | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| Photographer interview | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included |
| Dedicated awards book spread | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| Inclusion in the UPOTY awards book | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Selected entries |
| Prominent virtual exhibition placement | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included |
| Virtual exhibition participation | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Digital certificate of excellence | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included |
| Digital certificate of participation | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Media and press promotion | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included |
| Promotional winner / category logo | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included |
Key: ✓ Included · — Not included.
Book selection: accepted entries are considered for publication; inclusion is limited to selected entries.
Entry Fees & Deadlines
Fees vary by submission period and entry type. Choose a single image or a series, then select the categories that best represent your work.
Swipe or scroll sideways to view all entry prices. The submission period stays in view.
| Submission period | Single image | Series Up to 10 images | Extra category Single image | Extra category Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early BirdUntil | $18 | $25 | $10 | $15 |
| Regular – | $20 | $30 | $12 | $15 |
| Extended – | $30 | $37 | $15 | $20 |
All entry fees above are in US dollars. Each deadline is at 23:59:59 UTC on the stated date; the next pricing period begins at 00:00 UTC the following day.
Key Dates · 2026–2027
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Bird deadline | |
| Regular / final deadline | |
| Extended deadline | |
| Results announced | |
| Awards sent | |
| Book publication |
Notes & Entry Details
Award titles
- Urban Photographer of the Year
- Our highest distinction for an exceptional photographic vision of the urban world. The winner receives $1,000 USD, the UPOTY trophy and a dedicated spread in the UPOTY awards book, alongside the benefits listed above.
- Discovery Photographer of the Year
- Recognising an emerging or previously unrecognised photographer, selected by the jury regardless of age. One winner is announced with the competition results. Consideration is automatic, with no separate application or opt-in. The winner receives $500 USD, book publication, an interview and the recognition listed above.
- Urban Perspective Award 2026
- Celebrating a distinctive photographic perspective on urban life, open to photographers of all genders. Consideration is automatic, with no separate application or opt-in. Includes publication in the UPOTY awards book, an interview, a digital certificate of excellence and the recognition listed above.
Cash award payments
Cash awards are stated in US dollars and paid by secure bank transfer. Recipients are responsible for any receiving-bank charges and taxes that apply to their award. UPOTY may refine its award programme for future editions; the published details for each edition will explain any changes.
About entry fees
Entry fees help deliver the competition: submission administration, jury honorariums, the annual UPOTY awards book, the virtual exhibition, and the platform that brings the work together.
They also support the communication and outreach that introduce recognised photographers to a wider audience. The aim is a carefully presented programme that gives urban photography a lasting place beyond the judging period.
How fees work
Your dashboard shows the fee for your entry and category selections before payment. Where available, account credit can be used toward entry fees; optional credit bundles are managed in your dashboard.
Entry types
- Single image
- One photograph submitted in one category and judged as an individual work.
- Series
- A connected body of work containing up to 10 images, submitted and judged together as one series.
- Additional category
- Submit the same image or series to another relevant category. Any additional category charge is shown before payment.
Prepare your photographs
Choose the image or series you want the jury to consider, then prepare your files for upload. A series can contain up to 10 images; each file must meet the upload requirements below.
Formats: JPEG / PNG / WebP. File size: maximum 4 MB per image. Dimensions: minimum 100 × 100 px; maximum 4,000 px on either side.
Check your category selection and entry information before submitting. Your dashboard shows the available competition and submission options.
Read the competition rules for participation requirements and review the categories to find the right home for your work.