Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is making its final call for entries for the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025, The final submission deadline has been extended to March 16th 2025, 1pm (JST), with winners announced in September 2025. This year’s theme “Inspire”, invites participants to enter in one of two categories: Single Photo or Photo Story.

The Nikon Film and Photo Contest stands as a renowned global competition, uniting photographers and filmmakers - both professional and amateur - from all over the world. These powerful works showcase the contest’s ability to elevate deeply personal stories and inspire future entrants to share their unique perspectives. Since the iconic contest began in 1969 more than half a century ago, it has grown into one of the world’s most respected and prestigious international competitions. Last year, more than 35,000 people from 180 countries participated, submitting over 70,000 breathtaking photos and film submissions.

Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry experts, with Sarah Leen - the first female director of photography for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Partners - returning as lead judge. The complete panel of judges for the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 will be revealed on the official website as appointments are made.

Lead judge Sarah Leen says: "I am delighted to return as the lead judge for the 2024-2025 Nikon Film and Photo Contest. In my previous role, 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."

“I encourage all photographers and filmmakers to submit their work, 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.”

Awards, Prizes, and Selection of Winners^1,2

One Grand Prize will be awarded to the best entry in each category. In addition, two entries from each category in the two competitions will be selected for an Excellence Award and three entries for a Special Encouragement Award. Winners of the General Public Award will also be determined with public voting on entries that make the final round of judging. For more information on prizes or entry details, visit: https://www.nikon-photocontest.com/en/

¹ Lenses and accessories will be decided by Nikon.
² Prizes may be changed without notice. In the event of an international incident or conflict with the laws and regulations of a country, it might take a while to deliver the prize. Alternatively, if the prize is undeliverable to the winner, prize money specified by the organiser might be awarded to the winner instead.