Special Category

The Special Category Awards is for uniquely undefined categories that has been around since the advent of photography itself, yet are greatly unpopularized by media. You might just find yourself a pioneer of your craft within this category!

CATEGORIES

SP2501. AI-Generated Images
SP2502. Comedy Photography
SP2503. Covid-19 Related Photography
SP2504. CSR Photography
SP2505. Digital Enhance Photography
SP2506. Event Photography
SP2507. Experimental Photography
SP2508. Film Photography
SP2509. Long Exposure Photography
SP2510. Minimalism Photography
SP2511. Mobile Photography
SP2512. Night Photography
SP2513. Panoramic
SP2514. Smartphone Photography
SP2500. New Category

Entry Fees

Standard Entry Fees


$30/image for professional and $25/image for amateur/student categories. There are no limits in the number of entries.

Fees are non-refundable. Withdrawn entries (whether withdrawn by entrant or by the New York Awards for entrant's failure to comply with the entry rules) will NOT be refunded.

Multiple entries must be submitted at the same time as your first entry in order to be counted as "additional entries". An entry submitted at a later time will be counted as a "first entry".

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Bundle Entries Package


Participants may purchase a Bundle Entries Package, which can be used within the year of the competition when the package is purchased.

The package is priced at $185 for 10 Credits. One (1) Entry Category = One (1) Credit. With the package, you are be able to save up to $11 per entry.

Get Now, Save On Entry Fee

Entry Deadlines

2025 Entry Period Early Bird
(Aug 7 - Sep 4, 2025)
Regular
(Sep 5 - Oct 2, 2025)
Final
(Oct 3 - Oct 30, 2025)
Final Extension
(Oct 31 - Nov 26, 2025)
Professional Single $25 $30 $35 $40
Professional Series
(2-8 images)
$35 $40 $45 $50
Amateur / Student Single $20 $25 $30 $35
Amateur / Student Series $30 $35 $40 $45
Additional Category $15 $20 $25 $30
Bundle Entries Package: $185 for 10 Credits (Save Up-to $115!)
One (1) Category = One (1) Credit
Judging: Nov 13 - Dec 11, 2025
Winners Announcement: Dec 12, 2025
Work submitted must have been created within the last 5 years (2020 - 2025).

WINNER'S BENEFITS

Benefits / Winning Level Photographer of the Year Category Winners of the Year Gold Winners Silver Winners Honorable Mentions
Cash Prizes $3,000 (Pro)
$2,000 (Amateur / Student)
$100 / Category - - -
New York Statuette - - - -
Winner’s Special Feature on Category Page - - - -
Highlight Gallery on Main Page - - - -
Mentioned in Winner Press Release - - -
Photo Showcased at New York Photography Awards’ Gallery Section - -
Mentioned in Media Partner Website: Muse.World - -
Mentioned in New York Photography Awards’ e-Newsletter - - -
Dedicated Social Post - -
Winner’s Website Links -
Eligible to Purchase New York Photography Awards’ Statuette -
Winner's Interview
Winner’s Profile/Page
Winner e-Certificate
Winner’s Badge (Digital)
Winner’s Site Bug
Email Signature Badge (Digital)
Winner’s Press Release Template

*Note: Cash prizes are not cumulative. Only one cash prize can be awarded to each winner with the highest available prize applied.

For example, if a winner is awarded both New York Photographer of the Year (Professional Category) and Category Winner of the Year, they will only receive the $3000 cash prize from the New York Photographer of the Year and not $100 from the winning the latter. First placed Category Winners can only receive one $100 cash prize even if they win the title in multiple categories.

If you submitted your entries through an award agent and won either New York Photographer or Category Winner of the Year, IAA will proceed to issue the cash prize to the closest representative of the winning entry, the award agent, to collect it on your behalf. Please liaise with your award agent on the matter of cash prizes. Cash prizes will be issued either to the winners or award agent within a month after the announcement of results.

The New York Photography Awards and International Awards Associate’s decision are final in its sole discretion and binding in relation to all matters relating to Competitions and may not be subject to any discussions or correspondence.

AWARDS PROCESS

The New York Photography Awards competition is designed for convenience
of the entrant by entering online and uploading your entries.

Step 1
International Photography Awards Submission Process
Online Registration
Step 2
International Photography Awards Submission Process
Online Submission
Step 3
International Photography Awards Submission Process
Entry Evaluation
Step 4
International Photography Awards Submission Process
Winners Selection

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submission details

Image Limits; Up to ten images in JPEG and one PDF can be uploaded per entry. For easy results, ensure images are formatted as a flattened JPEG/JPG, 1,920px wide, 300 dpi, RGB, and no larger than 4MB.

Each individual image should pertain to the category you have entered into. For example, Architecture Photography submissions should include photos that depict buildings of all shapes and sizes whilst People Photography submissions should include photos that depict the individual as the main focus. Detailed descriptions are required to allow the judges to better understand the emotion/meaning behind the images you chose to submit.

Submissions can be entered as professional, amateur, or student works. All images submitted may not be older than five years.

Limit written descriptions of your images to 350 words or less.