All entries must follow the general competition rules, as well as the specific rules for the category entered. Photographers may enter more than one category, and images should be submitted into the category that best represents the subject, style and intention of the work. 
 
Please choose the category that best fits your image. Each category has its own focus and judging expectations, so please read the descriptions carefully before submitting.
All images must be submitted as JPG or JPEG files at 300 dpi. Copyright remains with the photographer. All entries will be published in the official East Anglian Photography Awards magazine.
Finalists will be asked to submit their image as a 400 x 500 mm mounted print for the final print judging and exhibition.

1. Wildlife & Nature
This category celebrates the beauty, behaviour and diversity of the natural world.
Eligible subjects include wildlife, birds, animals, insects, plants, flowers, trees, natural habitats, woodland, coastlines, rivers, and other nature-based subjects.
Images should show respect for the natural environment and the welfare of wildlife. Photographs must not involve cruelty, distress, baiting in an unethical way, or damage to habitats.
Minor editing is allowed, including exposure, contrast, cropping, colour correction, sharpening and dust spot removal. The image must remain a truthful representation of the natural scene. AI-generated animals, plants, landscapes or nature scenes are not allowed in this category.

2. Landscape
This category is for images that capture the beauty, atmosphere and character of the outdoor environment.
Eligible subjects include countryside, coastlines, rivers, woodland, farmland, skies, seascapes, city skylines where the landscape is the main focus, and natural or rural environments.
People, buildings or animals may appear in the image, but they should not be the main subject unless they support the landscape story.
Editing is allowed, including exposure adjustments, colour correction, cropping, dodging and burning, and removal of minor distractions. The final image should still represent believable landscape scene. AI-generated landscapes or replacement skies created entirely by AI are not allowed in this category.

3. Urban & Street
This category celebrates everyday life, architecture, people, movement and stories found in towns, cities and public spaces.
Eligible subjects include street photography, urban life, architecture, transport, markets, public spaces, documentary-style images, and scenes that show the character of the built environment.
Images may include people, but they should be photographed respectfully. The photographer is responsible for ensuring their work is appropriate and lawful.
Editing is allowed, including cropping, black and white conversion, exposure and colour correction, and removal of minor distractions. The image should keep the authenticity of the scene. AI-generated street scenes, people or buildings are not allowed in this category.

4. Studio Portraits
This category is for portraits created in a studio or controlled lighting environment.
Eligible subjects include individuals, couples, families, fashion portraits, fine art portraits, dance portraits, maternity, creative portraits, beauty, boudoir, and character-based studio work.
The image should show strong use of lighting, posing, expression, styling, composition and creative direction.
Editing and retouching are allowed, including skin retouching, colour grading, background cleanup, composite work and creative finishing. However, the main subject must be photographed by the entrant. AI-generated people or portraits are not allowed in this category.

5. Sport
This category celebrates movement, energy, skill, emotion and determination in sport and physical performance.
Eligible subjects include competitive sport, training, dance, fitness, martial arts, equestrian, motorsport, athletics, team sports, individual sports and action-based performance.
Images may show action, emotion, preparation, victory, disappointment or the atmosphere around sporting events.
Editing is allowed, including cropping, exposure adjustments, colour correction, black and white conversion and sharpening. The image should remain a truthful representation of the sporting moment. AI-generated sports scenes, athletes or action moments are not allowed in this category.

6. Creative & Abstract
This category is for experimental, imaginative and artistic photography.
Eligible subjects include abstract photography, conceptual work, intentional camera movement, multiple exposure, creative composites, fine art images, digital manipulation, surreal photography, mixed-media photography and experimental visual work.
This is the only category where AI-assisted or AI-generated elements are allowed, provided they are used creatively and responsibly.
If AI has been used in the image, this must be clearly declared when entering. Photographers should still have a strong creative role in the final work, whether through photography, concept, direction, editing, composition or digital creation.
Images in this category will be judged on creativity, originality, visual impact, concept and artistic execution.
Important Note About AI
AI-generated or AI-assisted images are only permitted in the Creative & Abstract category.

Where AI has been used in the Creative & Abstract category, it must be declared during submission.

 
RAW File Request
Finalists may be asked to provide the original RAW file, or the original unedited camera file, to verify the authenticity of the image if required.
This may be requested as part of the judging process, particularly where clarification is needed regarding image ownership, editing, AI use, or compliance with the category rules.
Failure to provide the requested original file may result in the entry being removed from the competition.

 
Promotion & Entry Highlights
By entering the East Anglian Photography Awards, entrants agree that their submitted image may be shared as an Entry Highlight on our official East Anglian Photography Awards Instagram page and other official award channels.
Where possible, photographers will be credited and tagged in the post to help promote their work and support publicity for the award.
Copyright remains fully with the photographer at all times. Images will only be used for purposes connected to the East Anglian Photography Awards, including promotion, publicity, social media, the official website, magazine, exhibition and award-related marketing.

 
Entry Fee & Key Dates
Entry fee:
£10 for 1 image
£30 for 5 images
£50 for 10 images
Submission deadline: 31st July 2026
First round judging: Beginning of August 2026
Finalists notified: By 10th August 2026
Final print judging: Mid-August 2026
Official magazine published: 4th September 2026
Exhibition & Awards Night: 12th September 2026 at Artsy Image Gallery, Colchester.