The Human Impact Awards 2025 invite photographers to explore how human presence transforms the planet — from resilience and activism to environmental change and social narratives.
Application deadline: January 30, 2026
Organized by Wex Photo Video in collaboration with Sony, the Human Impact Awards 2025 celebrate photography’s ability to reveal, question and document how humanity interacts with its surroundings. The competition welcomes submissions that interpret “human impact” through environmental, social or personal perspectives, highlighting the power of images to tell untold stories.
About the competition
Photography remains one of the most immediate ways to address how we live and change the world. The Human Impact Awards recognize projects that document these realities through a coherent series of 5–10 photographs. The brief is open: from portraits of resilience and urban transformation to commentaries on inequality or climate response, entrants are encouraged to define their own angle.
Categories and eligibility
The open call is divided into two categories:
- Professional Category: Open to photographers aged 18 and over, working at any level of experience. Entrants may submit personal or commissioned projects that reflect contemporary human impact.
- The Phil Smith Student Award: Dedicated to the memory of Phil Smith, this free-to-enter category honors the most compelling student submissions. Participants must provide a valid academic email and course information.
Prizes and recognition
Winners in the Professional category will receive cash awards of £5,000 (1st prize), £3,000 (2nd prize) and £1,000 (3rd prize). The Phil Smith Student winners will receive Sony equipment, including the Sony A7R IV, ZV-E1 and A7C models with G Master lenses. All winning projects will be showcased at an official awards ceremony attended by judges, industry professionals and Sony representatives.
Submission guidelines
Participants must upload a photo series of 5–10 images in JPEG format through the official Wex Photo Video portal. Entries can be created using any camera, including mobile devices. AI-generated imagery and nudity are not accepted. Submissions are judged on concept, execution and coherence as a body of work.
Why it matters
By focusing on “human impact,” this initiative encourages photographers to confront the visible and invisible marks we leave behind. The resulting works become testimonies of our time—expressing awareness, empathy and accountability through visual storytelling.
How to apply
Full competition details, including technical specifications and terms, are available on the official website: Wex Photo Video. Submissions close at 11:59 pm (UK time) on January 30, 2026. Artists are encouraged to review all eligibility criteria before entering.
Where to look next
For more international opportunities and upcoming photography contests, explore our Open Calls section.
