Participating in wedding photography awards is not only about the potential of winning but also about the experience, exposure, and growth it offers.
Wedding Photography Competitions and Awards
With so many different platforms and sites available for photographers, here’s a comprehensive roundup of some of the best wedding photography awards where they you submit your work.
Wedissimo
Enter our curated collections, be selected and featured in our own wedding photo features which are also highlighted on your profile page. We have a super exciting judge this year. Watch out for the announcement to see who it will be.
Fearless Photographers
Fearless Photographers is a globally recognised platform that celebrates photographers who redefine wedding photography with creativity and innovation. It honours those who capture emotion, genuine moments, and artistic vision in their work. With awards and collections updated regularly, it’s worth keeping an eye on their next call for entries.
Junebug Weddings – Best of the Best
Junebug Weddings hosts the Best of the Best contest, recognising exceptional wedding photography. This contest features various categories, offering photographers the chance to showcase their finest work and stand out in the industry.
Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA)
The WPJA is dedicated to authentic storytelling through photojournalism in weddings. Their contests focus on the best documentary-style wedding photography, emphasising the capture of genuine emotions and candid moments. They reward photographers who excel in true storytelling.
International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP)
The ISPWP recognises the world’s best wedding photographers, showcasing talent across various categories. It is an esteemed platform that highlights artistic brilliance and technical expertise, setting high standards for excellence in the field.
Masters of Wedding Photography
This competition brings together a collection of the best wedding photography from the UK, Europe, and other regions. The Masters of Wedding Photography emphasises the artistry and storytelling within each image submitted.
Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (AG|WPJA)
They focus on recognising creativity and excellence in wedding photojournalism, encouraging photographers to submit their most innovative and authentic work. This platform showcases their ability to capture stories through imagery.
Wedisson Awards
The Wedisson Awards is an international contest that celebrates the creativity and skill of wedding photographers. It recognises exceptional images across various categories, honouring the uniqueness and individuality of each submission.
Rangefinder
Rangefinder, a leading photography publication, hosts an annual competition that features wedding photography categories. This esteemed contest attracts global submissions and is renowned for highlighting exceptional talent in the industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging talent, these awards offer a valuable opportunity to showcase the beauty and significance of wedding photography. They also provide a chance to share your work, learn, and further develop your skills and craft.
How to Prepare and Submit for Wedding Photography Awards
Selecting Your Best Work: Choose images that tell compelling stories, evoke emotions, or showcase exceptional technical skill.
Adhering to Categories: Understand and adhere to the specific categories outlined by the awards. Some awards focus on specific styles like photojournalism, or perhaps a topic, such as getting ready shots, complex moments or emotions. Not adhering to this is a quick way to ensure you are not featured!
Quality Over Quantity: Prioritise quality over the quantity of submissions. A few outstanding images make a more significant impact than numerous average ones.
Following Guidelines: Pay close attention to submission guidelines. This includes image specifications, entry fees, deadlines, and any additional requirements for entry.
Building a Narrative: For contests that allow a series or a collection of images, consider crafting a narrative or a story through the sequence of photographs. This storytelling aspect can stand out.
Why enter Wedding Photography Awards?
Recognition and Exposure: Winning or being featured in wedding photography awards offers recognition within the industry, but also offers potential credibility, trust and visibility to potential clients.
Networking and Community: Participation in these awards introduces photographers to a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. It fosters connections, collaborations, and the exchange of ideas, providing valuable opportunities for growth.
Feedback and Improvement: Awards often involve judging by industry experts. Even submitting entries can be a learning experience. Constructive feedback and critique from experienced professionals can aid in helping to improve and develop your knowledge and skills.
Exposure: Being featured or winning an award generates extra exposure to you and your work, shown on websites, and across social media platforms, this can help increase being seen not only by other photographers but also potentially couples.