spie-international-day-of-light-photo-contest-2026-($5,000-in-prizes)
SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest 2026 ($5,000 in prizes)
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Deadline: September 16, 2026

Applications are open for the SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest 2026. The SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest is held annually to raise awareness about the International Day of Light and to demonstrate the impact that light has on cultural, economic, and societal aspects of our world.

Help showcase the transformative and awe-inspiring impact of light on our lives, communities, and planet by submitting your eye-catching images.Ā A special ā€œJudgesā€™ Choice for the Best of Scienceā€ prize will be offered this year.

Examples of content include, but are not limited to, artistic images that depict:

  • Various properties of light and how it interacts with the atmosphere, nature, and materials
  • Light technology such as lasers, LEDs, etc.
  • Images created with light technology, such as telescopes and microscopes
  • People interacting with light and/or light technology
  • The betterment of the human condition with light

Awards

  • First Prize: USD $2,500
  • Second Prize: USD $1,000
  • Third Prize: USD $500
  • Judgesā€™ Choice for Best of Science Prize: USD $1,000

Eligibility

  • Open to amateur and professional photographers;
  • Be up to 18 years and above;
  • Employees of SPIE and optics.org, their immediate families, the contest judges, and consultants/contractors of SPIE are not eligible. Immediate family is defined as all grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, in-laws, or anyone living in the SPIE or optics.org employeeā€™s household.

Judging Criteria

Each photograph will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Content: Appropriateness and coverage of content in relation to the theme.
  • Scientific interest: Overall effectiveness in engaging and communicating the contest theme to viewers.
  • Creativity/artistry: Innovation and creativity in the concept.
  • Execution: Execution of photography techniques used to enhance the quality and content of entries.
  • Overall appeal for the International Day of Light.

Application

Digital photographs, photo titles, and artist statements must be submitted online via the form on the SPIE.org website. Entries submitted through mail will not be accepted.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest.

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