Celebrating the best of open photography

Open October 1st — October 31st, 2021 Finalists announced November 25th, 2021

The Unsplash Awards are a month-long celebration recognizing the powerful impact that the Unsplash community has made through their generosity and artistry. Unsplash wouldn’t exist without the thousands of contributors who freely gift their work and push creativity forward every day.

From the very best of architecture & interiors, to an all-new 3D category — enter your images into 11 categories designed to showcase the best of Unsplash. We’ve also invited amazing guest judges to help select the featured images for each category.

How to participate

Select the category you’d like to participate in, and click Submit.
You can either submit a new photo or choose a photo from your library.
If choosing a photo from your library — only photos submitted after October 31st 2020 will be

for this year’s Awards. Note: All images that have been curated to the Awards topics between November 1st 2020 and October 31st 2021 are automatically submitted to this year’s Awards. The number of eligible photos will be shown under the Submit button.

Read more about our rules and regulations here.

Official Judge Alex Ainslie — Google Chrome

3D Renders

For the first time ever, Unsplash is accepting a new category of images outside of photography. Submit your 3-dimensional images, designed in the software of your choice, rendered into JPEG images.

Learn more here.

Photo by Richard Horvath

Official Judge Marine Roucheyrolle — Airbnb

Architecture & Interior

From towering skyscrapers to minimalist home decor, this category showcases the best of architectures and interiors.

Photo by Arnt Oberschmidt

Official Judge Erika Allen — Vice

Current Events

Covering the latest important events, news-worthy moments and movements from around the world — from political protests to cultural celebrations. When submitting, please provide a photo description so we understand the full context of the image.

Photo by Joe Yates

Official Judge Emma Davidson — Dazed Digital

Experimental

Through the use of unlikely textures, intriguing subject matter, and new formats — photography has the power to challenge our perspectives and push creativity forward.

Photo by Michael Schielke

Official Judge Francesca Wallace — Vogue

Fashion

From street-style shots to editorial photography — find the latest trends in beauty and fashion.

Photo by Cole Keister

Official Judge Jason Heward — Leica Camera

Film

Beautiful analog photography from the past and present day — featuring polaroids, black and white images, grainy portraits, and more.

Photo by Pelayo Arbués

Official Judge Michele Outland — Gather Journal

Food & Drink

It’s time to indulge, and throw yourself into the world of culinary photography — with shots of elaborate dinner parties, decadent pastries and more.

Photo by Dessy Dimcheva

Official Judge Victoria Estevez — Calm

Health & Wellness

Celebrate a healthy mind, body and soul with photographs that showcase everything from new medical discoveries and alternative medicines, to healthy eating and meditation.

Photo by Avi Richards

Official Judge Josh Raab — National Geographic

Nature

Let’s celebrate the magic of Mother Earth — with images of everything our planet has to offer, from stunning seascapes, starry skies, and everything in between.

Photo by Thomas Langnes

Official Judge Samia Liamani — Good Faces

People

Real people, captured. Photography has the power to reflect the world around us, give voice to individuals and groups within our communities — and most importantly — tell their story.

Photo by Hà Nguyễn

Official Judge Viviane Labelle — Nike

Street Photography

From early morning commutes to neon-tinted nights, our streets have become the fabric of our shared history. This category encompasses street photography in every form.

Photo by Benjamin Suter

Official Judge Unsplash Community

Photo of 2021

We’ve teamed up with 10 community panelists to create a collection that represents 10 of the most impactful images on Unsplash from 2021. And now, we’d love to hear from you. Vote for the image that resonates most with you, and the one with the most votes will be selected for the Photo of 2021 Award.

Photo by Patrick Perkins