The 2024-2025 Nikon Film and Photo Contest is now open!

Submissions to the 2024-2025 Nikon Film and Photo Contest will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry experts, including return lead judge Sarah Leen, the first female director of photography for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Partners.

“I am delighted to return as the lead judge,” Sarah tells Nikon magazine. “Last year, I was incredibly impressed by the outstanding quality of the photographs and films submitted. For this edition, we hope to see photography and filmmaking that inspire and connect us through powerful visual storytelling.”

The prizes

Not only will winners gain the chance to launch their career on to a global stage, but they will also receive a range of prizes, including Nikon cameras and NIKKOR lenses.

The best entry in each competition (Film and Photo) is set to receive 500,000 Japanese yen, a Nikon Z8 and NIKKOR Z lens. An Excellence Award will be given to two entries from each category, which includes a Nikon Z6III and NIKKOR lens (plus video accessories for film winners). Three entries will receive a Special Encouragement Award, with Film winners taking home a Nikon Z30, NIKKOR Z lens and video accessories, while their Photo winning counterparts will scoop a Zfc camera and NIKKOR Z lens. Winners of the General Public Award, voted for by the public, will claim a Nikon Z50 and NIKKOR lens.**

How to enter 

Open to all amateur and professional photographers and filmmakers from around the world, regardless of age, gender or nationality, the call for entries officially opens on Wednesday 30 October at 13:00 JST (4:00 GMT, 5:00 CET) and closes on Monday 17 February 2025 at 13:00 JST (4:00 GMT, 5:00 CET). Winners will be announced in September 2025.

Last year’s edition of the contest, with its Photo category theme of ‘Beloved’ and Film category theme of ‘Next Steps’, saw more than 35,000 people from 180 countries submit more than 70,000 entries, officially making it one of the largest photo and film competitions in the world. An emotional shot of a father and child embracing in the thick of a chaotic cultural festival in the Philippines scooped the prize for Single Photo, while a story of climate change and self-sufficiency in rural Northern Ireland bagged the best entry for Super-short Film (see above).

“I encourage all photographers and filmmakers to submit their work,” urges head judge Sarah. “And not only for the chance to win exceptional prizes, but also for the opportunity to have their creations showcased to the public and members of our visual community. This could be a career-changing moment for you and your creative work.”

Interested? Submit your entries here, where more information can also be found.

*Any equipment may be used

**Lenses and accessories will be decided by Nikon and all prizes may be changed without notice

Hero image: ©Maruf Shimanto