Cool Contests for Creative Kids in 2022–2023

Ranger Rick Photo Contest

Kids 13 and younger are invited to submit nature photos taken without the assistance of an adult. Entries are accepted on a rolling basis, and winners are announced quarterly. Winning photos are displayed on the Ranger Rick website and published in an issue of the magazine. Free to enter. 

Sony World Photography Awards

There are student and youth competitions under the umbrella of the Sony World Photography Awards. The youth category for ages 12–19 is held monthly, with a different theme each month. Entry is free and the prize, naturally, is Sony gear. 

National Geographic Photo Contest

Yes, they will be competing with some of the top amateur photographers in the world. But National Geographic photography contests, which include travel and nature photography, are open to all ages. In the past, there has been a specific kids’ contest for ages 6–14, but it’s not clear if that contest will be held again in the future.  

Comedy Pet Photography Awards

The Comedy Pet Photography Awards is sponsored by Animal Friends Insurance with an entry fee of five British pounds to enter five photos, but the competition does not appear to be limited to U.K. entrants. There are categories for type of pet, but also a category for youth photographers. Kids 16 and younger can enter the Junior category and submit up to 10 photographs for free. The top prize is £2,000!

IPPAWards

Photographers of any age can submit photos taken with an iPhone or iPad that have not been edited with any desktop software (iOS app editing is allowed) in a dozen different categories by March 31 each year. Entry fees vary depending on the number of photos submitted. There are winners  for each category, and four overall winners; prizes vary. 

Looking for more photography contests? Check out the Photo Contest Insider list.