Aviation Week Photo Contest 2026

The Aviation Week 2026 Photo Contest, sponsored by Informa Media LLC dba Aviation Week, is open to any photographer, amateur or professional, who is at least 18 years old. Entrants may submit up to 25 images across five categories: Commercial, Defense, Space, General and Business Aviation, and Photo Illustration. Photos must be taken on or after October 1, 2025, and submitted in JPG format with a caption describing the location. The contest runs from May 7, 2026 (12:01 AM EDT) until October 12, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT). A $5 USD entry fee applies per submission, waived for residents of Colorado, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Vermont. Winners receive cash prizes (up to $400 for the Best of the Best) and a Tamron 150‑500 mm lens valued at $1,499, plus publication of the winning images in Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine and copies of the issue. The contest is judged by an independent panel of aerospace and photography professionals. Employees of Aviation Week and their families are ineligible. Entries are submitted via the contest website and payment is processed through PayPal. The contest is an annual, recurring competition.

Cash prizes, Tamron lens, publication in Aviation Week & Space Technology, copies of the magazine.

Open to photographers 18+; fee waived for residents of CO, MD, NE, ND, VT; Aviation Week employees and families ineligible.