In judgingNational Geographic Society

National Geographic Pictures of the Year 2026

National Geographic Pictures of the Year is the NatGeo Society's annual celebration of the year's best photography, drawn from staff and contributing photographers and a free public open call. The contest applies NatGeo's standard authenticity rules: only camera-captured images, with standard post-processing permitted. Generative AI tools are prohibited for both creation and substantive alteration of image content.

AI banned
Deadline
—
Entry fee
Free entry
Official site

Authenticity policy

AI policy

Photographs must be captured by a camera, and the use of generative AI tools to create or substantially alter image content is not permitted. Standard post-processing adjustments, including exposure correction, white balance, cropping, and noise reduction, are allowed.

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

National Geographic's main annual photography programme applies the standard NatGeo authenticity stance: camera-captured only, standard post-processing permitted, generative AI tools prohibited. Distinct from National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition, which is run by APL Media under licence and has its own rules.

Verified on June 12, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does National Geographic Pictures of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?
No. National Geographic Pictures of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
How much does it cost to enter National Geographic Pictures of the Year 2026?
National Geographic Pictures of the Year 2026 is free to enter.

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