How To Enter
Who Can Enter
The Astrophotography Prize is open to all astrophotographers. Entrants may win category titles, sponsors’ prizes and trophies.
What Can Be Entered
Images submitted must be from original photographs captured by the entrant that have not been entered into previous Astrophotography Prize or Australian Photographic Prize competitions.
All data that makes up an entry must have been captured on or after 1st July 2024. Images captured before 1st July, 2024, are ineligible for entry.
Participants may enter an unlimited number of digital images into any category. However, you cannot enter the same image into multiple categories.
When
- Competition entry opens on 15th June 2026 (AEST), 14th June 2026 (USA).
- Entries close at 6 pm on Sunday, 12th July 2026 (AEST), 1 am 12th July 2026 (PDT).
- Live Judging of the top 25 entries from each category will take place during the Astrophotography Prize Event on Friday, 14th, Saturday, 15th and Sunday, 16th August 2026 (AEST), 13th, 14th & 15th August (USA). Livestreamed on YouTube.
- The Overall and Category Winners will be announced live on Saturday, 10th October 2026 AEST, 9th October 2026 (USA).
Although every effort will be made to adhere to this schedule, Judging dates and times are subject to change.
Competition Entry Fees
- $ AUD Single Entry (one image)
- $ AUD Single Entry (one image) with Written Feedback
- $ AUD Discounted Entry Bundle (Five images) for the price of four
- $ AUD Discounted Entry Bundle (Five images) with Written Feedback
1 Read the Rules
Before entering the 2026 Astrophotography Prize, entrants must ensure they have fully read and understood the rules and requirements of the Categories they are entering.
Rules are being finalised, coming soon!2 Purchase Entries
- Create your account: After purchasing your entries, you can create your account
- Purchase Feedback: You will have the option to purchase written feedback on your entries
3 Prepare Your Files for upload
- Resize: 5000 – 6000px on the longest side
- sRGB: Convert to sRGB colour Profile
- JPEG: Save as maximum quality JPEG
- Filename: The file name is irrelevant
4 Uploading Your Images
My Account:Uploading is done through the “My Account” page (little blue person icon top right of screen).
When uploading your entry you will be asked to submit the following information:
- Location and Country image was taken
- Camera, telescope or camera lens and filters used (including Barlow and ADC if appropriate)
- Quantity and duration of exposures
- Total integration time.
- In addition to this, entrants may submit a 25-word statement of image purpose or creative intent.
Changes: You can upload your image, change your image, or change your category at any time before entries close.