Rest of World Photo Contest 2026: Apply to win up to $1000
Rest of World 2026 Photo Contest
Applications are now officially open for the Rest of World 2026 Photo Contest, offering photographers from around the globe a chance to win up to $1,000 in cash prizes by documenting how technology intersects with daily life in unexpected, human-centered ways.
With a submission deadline of February 28, 2026, the global contest invites photographers of all skill levels to visually explore how technology thrives beyond Silicon Valley, often in remote locations, improvised environments, and deeply local contexts.
Rest of World 2026 Photo Contest: What It’s All About
Unlike traditional technology-focused competitions that spotlight innovation hubs, Rest of World is shifting attention to how people around the world adapt, repurpose, and humanize technology. The 2026 Photo Contest is designed to challenge the perception of technology as cold or isolating, instead highlighting its role in creativity, survival, and community.
According to the organizers, the contest celebrates technology “used in novel ways and under surprising circumstances,” particularly in regions that are often overlooked in global tech conversations.
Two Creative Categories Photographers Can Enter
The 2026 edition features two compelling categories, each encouraging visual storytelling rooted in real-world experiences.
Surprising Screens
This category focuses on screens in unusual or remote environments. Photographers are encouraged to capture moments where digital screens appear in places people wouldn’t expect—whether in rural villages, informal markets, conflict zones, or unconventional workspaces. The goal is to show how screens continue to shape communication and access to information, even far from traditional infrastructure.
Inherited Innovation
This category highlights the power of older technology that refuses to disappear. From repaired radios and modified machines to DIY tech solutions and roadside repair kiosks, photographers are invited to document how legacy tools are still relevant, often through ingenuity and local adaptation.
Who Can Apply for the Rest of World Photo Contest?
The contest is open globally, with no restrictions on nationality or professional background. Key eligibility requirements include:
- Open to photographers of any skill level
- Participants must be living and working anywhere in the world
- Each entrant may submit one original image
- The photo must have been taken within the last two years
- Submissions must include a detailed description, explaining where and when the image was taken and what it depicts
This inclusive approach makes the contest especially appealing to emerging photographers, freelancers, journalists, and visual storytellers working in underrepresented regions.
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Judging Process and Selection Criteria
All entries will be reviewed by the Rest of World editorial team, who will select 15 finalists in each category. From there, winners and honorable mentions will be chosen through a combination of member voting and a judging panel.
This hybrid selection model ensures both editorial integrity and community participation, aligning with Rest of World’s mission to amplify global perspectives.
Cash Prizes and Recognition
The contest offers financial rewards and visibility:
- First Place (each category): $750 cash prize
- Honorable Mention (each category): $250 cash prize
In total, $2,000 in prize money will be awarded, along with recognition from an internationally respected publication focused on global technology narratives.
Why This Contest Matters for Global Photographers
Beyond the cash prize, the Rest of World 2026 Photo Contest provides photographers with a powerful platform to tell globally relevant stories. Selected images spotlight how technology is shaped by culture, necessity, and creativity, often outside mainstream media attention.
For photographers looking to build credibility, visibility, and international reach, this contest represents a strategic opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested photographers should submit their entries before February 28, 2026, via the official Rest of World Photo Contest webpage. Early submission is strongly encouraged due to high global interest.
FAQ
What is the Rest of World 2026 Photo Contest?
The Rest of World 2026 Photo Contest is a global photography competition that celebrates creative and human-centered uses of technology across the world.
Who can apply for the Rest of World Photo Contest?
Photographers of any skill level, from any country, are eligible to apply as long as they meet the submission requirements.
What is the deadline for the Rest of World 2026 Photo Contest?
The application deadline is February 28, 2026.
How many photos can I submit?
Each photographer is allowed to submit one image only.
What are the categories for the 2026 contest?
The two categories are Surprising Screens and Inherited Innovation.
How much can winners earn?
First-place winners in each category receive $750, while honorable mentions receive $250.
Does the photo need to be recent?
Yes. Submitted images must have been taken within the last two years.
Is the Rest of World Photo Contest free to enter?
Yes, the contest is completely free to enter.
How are winners selected?
Finalists are chosen by Rest of World editors, with winners selected by a combination of member voting and a judging panel.
Where can I apply for the contest?
Applications must be submitted through the official Rest of World Photo Contest webpage.