Deadline: 03 February 2027
Earth Photo invites photographers and filmmakers from around the world to submit work that tells powerful stories about our planet. From the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss to powerful acts of restoration, resilience and hope, Earth Photo sheds light on the stories behind the images.
Originally established in 2018, by Parker Harris, the Royal Geographical Society and Forestry England, organised in partnership with Photoworks, is a leading international platform for photographers and filmmakers who capture the natural world, its peoples and environments, and the urgent issues shaping our time.
Who can submit?
Submissions are open to artists and image-makers worldwide, working in any lens-based media. Works should have been created within the last five years. However, earlier images may be included as part of a long-term documentary project, archive, or vernacular photography series where relevant.
What can be submitted?
Each entrant may submit up to 10 works and entries can be still or moving images. Short films should be between 5 seconds and 5 minutes in length. Applications should include:
- A CV (up to 500 words)
- A short artist statement (up to 100 words)
- A caption or statement for each submitted image or film (up to 100 words each)
What does it cost?
Earth Photo is free to enter; each entrant may have up to 10 images or films.
What can I win?
- Earth Photo Award 2027: £1,000 for an outstanding photography project telling a compelling story about life on Earth.
- Climate of Change Award: £500 for work exploring the impacts of climate change on people, environments or wildlife, or highlighting resilience and innovative adaptations that lead to positive action.
- Moving Image Award: £500 for the most powerful short film conveying a story about our planet and its inhabitants.
- Sidney Nolan Trust Residency Prize: a two-week residency at The Rodd, Sir Sidney Nolan’s former home, for a UK-based practitioner. It includes access to Nolan’s photographic archives.
- David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Awards: two winners aged 25 or under at the entry deadline, one in stills and one in moving image. Each gets £1,000 towards their next project plus mentoring, including from photographer Marissa Roth.
- Photoworks Digital Residency: at least one participant collaborates with Photoworks on a digital presentation of their work, with a £400 award.
- New Scientist Editors Award: mentoring from the New Scientist editorial team, with the potential for a feature in its Aperture section or an online video article.
- QUAD Exhibition Award: a feature exhibition for one artist, selected by the QUAD curatorial team. It is shown alongside work from the Earth Photo 2027 shortlist in QUAD Gallery.
- Inclusion in the Earth Photo 2027 exhibitions at the Royal Geographical Society and partner venues, with social media promotion.
- A dedicated feature on the Earth Photo website.
- Publication in Geographical, the Royal Geographical Society’s magazine.
- Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) membership, plus the chance to have their image on the 2027 membership card sent to over 14,000 members.