Deadline: September 16, 2025
Applications are open for the SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest 2025. The SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest is held annually to raise awareness about the International Day of Light and to demonstrate the impact that light has on cultural, economic, and societal aspects of our world. Amateur and professional photographers alike are encouraged to submit photos for a chance to win cash prizes.
Help showcase the transformative and awe-inspiring impact of light on our lives, communities, and planet by submitting your eye-catching images. A special “Judges’ Choice for the Best of Science” prize will be offered this year.
Examples of content include, but are not limited to, artistic images that depict:
- Various properties of light and how it interacts with the atmosphere, nature, and materials
- Light technology such as lasers, LEDs, etc.
- Images created with light technology, such as telescopes and microscopes
- People interacting with light and/or light technology
- The betterment of the human condition with light
Prizes
- First Prize: US$2,500
- Second Prize: US$1,000
- Third Prize: US$500
- Judges’ Choice for Best of Science Prize: US$1,000
Eligibility
- Open to adults aged 18 and up, both amateur and professional photographers, except employees of SPIE and optics.org, their immediate families, the contest judges, and consultants/contractors of SPIE.
- Immediate family is defined as all grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, in-laws, or anyone living in the SPIE or optics.org employee’s household. Entrants are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Contest is void where prohibited by law.
Judging Criteria
Each photograph will be judged on the following criteria:
- Content: Appropriateness and coverage of content in relation to the theme.
- Scientific interest: Overall effectiveness in engaging and communicating the contest theme to viewers.
- Creativity/artistry: Innovation and creativity in the concept.
- Execution: Execution of photography techniques used to enhance the quality and content of entries.
- Overall appeal for the International Day of Light.
Application
Simply submit your best photograph that embodies the power, beauty, and significance of light. Whether it’s an awe-inspiring natural scene or an image capturing cutting-edge light technology, your submission will help showcase the brilliance of light in our world.
For more information, visit SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest.
