The SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest 2026 is an international photography competition organized by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, in celebration of the International Day of Light. The contest invites photographers to capture compelling images that demonstrate the importance of light in everyday life, nature, communities, science, and technology while promoting greater public awareness of light-based innovation.
The competition welcomes creative photographic interpretations of the influence of light across cultural, environmental, scientific, and technological contexts. Participants are encouraged to submit original photographs that communicate the transformative role of light, with entries evaluated for both artistic quality and their ability to express the competition’s theme.
For photographers, the contest offers an opportunity to present meaningful visual storytelling to an international audience through a globally recognized scientific organization. By connecting photography with science, education, and public engagement, the competition encourages participants to explore how light shapes the world and inspires discovery.
Entry fee: Free to enter; each participant may submit a maximum of two photographs.
Eligibility
Open to amateur and professional photographers worldwide aged 18 or older submitting original photographs that comply with the official rules; employees of SPIE and specified related parties are excluded.
Prize
Verified current-year prizes include First Prize of US$2,500, Second Prize of US$1,000, Third Prize of US$500, and a Judges’ Choice for Best of Science award of US$1,000.