Enter the Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 for $35,000 in Prizes

The annual Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) 2025 competition is now open for entries, inviting amateur photographers worldwide to showcase their skills. With over $35,000 (approximately £26,000) in prizes available, participants can compete in multiple rounds, each with its own theme. Currently, the eighth round, focusing on the theme of Movement, is accepting submissions until December 8, 2025.

Details of the Competition

Amateur photographers can enter all ten rounds or select specific ones that align with their interests. Each round offers points towards a final leaderboard, with a shortlisted entry earning participants 10 points. Photographers are encouraged to creatively interpret the theme of Movement, whether by capturing a fast-moving subject or employing long exposure techniques to convey motion.

Entrants have until December 8, 2025, to submit their best work in this round. The competition challenges participants to think critically about their compositions, whether they choose to photograph bustling city scenes, flocks of birds, or flowing water.

This year, Camera Centre UK returns as the headline sponsor, joined by DxO, BOB Books, The School of Photography, and Viewsonic. The prizes include vouchers, software licenses, and subscriptions that cater to both amateur and young photographers alike.

Judging and Prizes

Each winner of the ten rounds will receive a £500 voucher to spend at Camera Centre UK, along with additional prizes such as free DxO PhotoLab and FilmPack licenses and vouchers for BOB Books. The overall winner at the conclusion of the competition will take home a £1,000 voucher for Camera Centre UK and a £100 voucher for BOB Books. The Young Amateur Photographer of the Year category offers similar prizes, encouraging photographers aged 21 and under to participate.

“Amateur photography is about passion and creativity,” said Jon Nicholson, a guest judge for the competition, who has previously served as an official photographer for the Olympic Games.

Participants can submit up to five images in each round. For those looking to enter the Young Amateur Photographer of the Year contest, eligibility is open to individuals aged 21 or younger by the competition’s closing date of February 2, 2026. Entry for this category is free, allowing young talent to showcase their skills without financial barriers.

For more detailed information on entry guidelines, themes, and rules, interested photographers can visit the APOY 2025 competition page. With a variety of themes over the competition period, including Black & White and Urban Life, this event promises to highlight the diverse creativity of amateur photographers globally.

As the competition continues to unfold, participants are encouraged to engage with the wider photography community through social media platforms to share their progress and inspiration. The Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 aims to celebrate not only the winners but the vibrant passion of amateur photography worldwide.