Best Architectural Photography Awards in 2025

September 12, 2025

Architectural photography is more than documenting a building. It is storytelling that shapes how the world perceives design, space, and the built environment. Through the lens, photographers capture not only the form of architecture but also its cultural and emotional impact.

In 2025, architectural photography awards continue to provide powerful platforms for recognition. Winning one can transform your career, offering credibility, exposure, and opportunities for collaboration. This guide covers the most important awards in 2025 and what you need to know to take part.

Why You Should Enter Architectural Photography Awards

Submitting your work to awards is more than chasing a title. It is a strategic step in building your career and reputation. Here’s why:

Credibility with architects and design firms: Recognisable awards (like AMP’s Architecture Photography MasterPrize) prove that your work meets international standards, which helps you win clients and partnerships.

•  Visibility across media and exhibitions: Winning or being shortlisted often leads to features in leading design publications like Archinect, gallery shows such as Publico, and online platforms like My Modern Met.
• Networking opportunities: Awards bring together photographers, architects, and creative leaders, all of which can help you build valuable industry relationships. And who knows what kind of doors those relationships can open.
• Differentiation in a competitive market: Traditional advertising methods such as social media are saturated. With architectural photography becoming more specialized, awards help you stand out and attract higher-profile projects.

The AMP recognizes not just the aesthetic appeal of structures but also their functio

Key Architectural Photography Awards in 2025

1. Sony World Photography Awards (Architecture Category)

One of the most well-known photography competitions, the Sony World Photography Awards includes a dedicated category for architecture. Winners include Ulana Switucha for “The Tokyo Toilet Project” (2025) and Ana Skobe for her photograph “Falling Out of Time” 2024.

Sony’s competition offers broader exposure, as it caters to both wider photography and architecture communities. Being a multinational brand, they’re also able to offer cash prizes, exhibition opportunities, and international press coverage.

In addition, winners’ photographs are displayed at Somerset House in London, giving the prize an additional sense of prestige. This is a great award for photographers looking to reach a wide audience beyond just architectural circles.

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2. Architecture Photography MasterPrize by AMP

The Architecture Photography MasterPrize is dedicated entirely to architectural photography. Unlike general photography competitions, it celebrates photographers who best capture the spirit, detail, and intent of architecture.

 

Their award is unique as it focuses exclusively on architecture. So, it’s highly relevant for professionals in the field. 

If you’re a photographer looking to boost awareness then the Architecture Photography MasterPrize is a great place to make your submission. Winners are featured in AMP’s official publications, press releases, and annual book.

In addition, your projects will be shared with global architecture and design outlets that AMP is partnered with such as Archinect and Parametric Architecture. Overall, this is a great award for professional photographers, emerging talents, and firms working with in-house photographers.

Their 2025 Submission Deadline is September 30, 2025.

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3. International Photography Awards (Architecture Category)

The International Photography Awards (IPA) is one of the most respected global photography competitions, offering several architecture subcategories including exterior, interior, and bridges.

Further categories include Aerial / Drone shots, abstract architectural photography, professional analog photography, as well as historical and industrial architectural photography.

The IPA enjoys strong recognition across both photography and architecture industries, and the “Photographer of the Year” winner receives the Lucie Trophy and cash awards. Of course, winners are showcased at the Lucie Awards gala in New York.

This is a great award for both professional and amateur photographers across all architectural specialties and this year’s deadline is August 2025.

4. Prix de la Photographie Paris

The Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3) is a Parisian photography competition that highlights international photography talent, with a strong emphasis on artistic and technical quality.

PX3 really blends fine art and commercial recognition, making it valuable for photographers balancing both worlds. 

They also have a dedicated category for architectural photography with winners being featured across the city’s exhibitions, receiving certificates and enjoying coverage across PX3’s global press network.

Louis-Philippe Provost was the Professional Architecture Photographer of the Year at the 2024 Prix de la Photographie Paris for his work featuring the “Freedom Tower“.

The competition is currently closed (deadline was August) and will reopen in 2026.

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What Judges Look for in Award-Winning Architectural Photography?

Judging panels go beyond sharp and visually appealing photos when selecting the winners of the world’s most prestigious competitions. 

• Storytelling: Your photo should convey a message i.e., what story were you trying to tell your photo. Winning photography evokes an emotional response not just from the judging panel, but from peers and other community members as well.
• Technical excellence: It goes without saying, your composition, use of light and shadows, and attention to detail should all be of the highest level of quality. This will be one of the most basic criteria that a judging panel will follow.
• Alignment with architectural values: Does your photography highlight the sustainability, cultural meaning or community relevance of your subject? These are all highly regarded areas in architecture and emphasizing these qualities through your shots will increase your chances of winning.

 

Final Thoughts

Winning an architectural photography award can elevate your career and help your work reach global audiences. From credibility and media exposure to new client opportunities, the benefits are lasting.

All of these awards are prestigious in their own right. Our recommendation is that you learn more about each award, and apply for those that best align with your goals as an architectural photographer. 

If you want your work recognized at a global level, consider submitting to the Architecture Photography MasterPrize before the September 30, 2025 deadline.