Compare the Best Photography Contest Platforms

Are you a photographer looking to showcase your talent, gain international recognition, or even win cash prizes for your best shots? Participating in photography contests is one of the fastest ways to build your portfolio, get discovered, and connect with a global community of creatives. However, with so many photography competition platforms available, it can be challenging to choose the right one.

In this article, we compare five of the most popular and trusted photography contest platforms — TopPhotoAwards, 35AWARDS, Photocrowd, ViewBug, and LensCulture — to help you find the best fit for your goals. Whether you’re a professional photographer aiming for career-defining exposure or an enthusiast seeking creative challenges, this guide will highlight the pros, cons, prizes, and unique features of each platform.

Discover why TopPhotoAwards.com stands out as a leading choice for serious photographers and how it compares to other major contest websites.

1. TopPhotoAwards.com — Elevate Your Work with Global Recognition

• Focus: Ambitious, emerging, and professional photographers

• Contest Types: Curated monthly and annual themed competitions

• Judging: Esteemed international jury of photographers, editors, and curators

• Prizes: Substantial cash awards, international press features, exhibition opportunities, and professional certificates

• Pros:

  • Highly selective — boosts credibility and portfolio impact

  • Featured winners receive wide industry exposure and publication

  • Clean, professional platform focused on quality over quantity

  • Strong value for serious photographers aiming to grow professionally

• Cons:

  • Entry fees apply

  • Limited contest categories compared to crowd-based platforms (but more curated)

Best For: Photographers looking to build a high-end portfolio, get noticed by industry leaders, and gain serious exposure for their work.

2. 35AWARDS — Global Reach with Competitive Spirit

• Focus: Broad audience from hobbyists to pros

• Contest Types: Massive annual awards + themed mini contests

• Judging: Peer voting system + expert jury

• Prizes: Digital diplomas, global rankings, photo book publications

• Pros:

  • Large-scale exposure

  • Country and city rankings

  • Great for visibility among peers

• Cons:

  • Peer voting can be inconsistent

  • Somewhat cluttered interface

  • Less emphasis on individual photographer branding

Best For: Those seeking peer comparison and broad international engagement.

3. Photocrowd — Community-Powered Creativity

• Focus: All levels, with an emphasis on interaction

• Contest Types: Ongoing themed contests with dual judging

• Judging: Crowd voting + expert review for premium contests

• Prizes: Modest cash prizes, gear, community badges

• Pros:

  • Active, supportive community

  • Educational feedback available

  • Mix of free and paid contests

• Cons:

  • Community contests don’t offer career exposure

  • Subscription model limits full access

Best For: Beginners and intermediate photographers who want feedback and friendly competition.

4. ViewBug — Fun Meets Motivation

• Focus: Creative photographers from beginner to advanced

• Contest Types: Sponsored and themed challenges

• Judging: Crowd voting + judge selection for bigger contests

• Prizes: Camera gear, gift cards, premium perks

• Pros:

  • User-friendly and gamified

  • Frequent contests for motivation

  • Good for creative exploration

• Cons:

  • Premium subscription required for full participation

  • Less recognized in professional circles

Best For: Hobbyists and creatives looking for fun and prizes.

5. LensCulture — Prestige for Fine Art & Documentary Photographers

• Focus: Fine art, conceptual, documentary, and street photography

• Contest Types: High-profile competitions (Portrait, Street, Emerging Talent)

• Judging: World-class curators, editors, and gallerists

• Prizes: Substantial cash, publication, global exhibitions, portfolio reviews

• Pros:

  • Extremely professional

  • Real industry exposure and advancement opportunities

  • Prestigious winners' circle

• Cons:

  • High entry fees

  • Very competitive, more selective

  • Not as interactive or community-driven

Best For: Advanced photographers and artists pursuing a serious career path in fine art or documentary photography.

At a Glance