Do you like taking photos? There are scholarships and contests out there that ask for your best photo. Some program simply ask for a photo while others ask for a description or essay explaining the photo. Check out these scholarships that ask for a photo.

Naval and Maritime Photo Contest
Sponsor: U.S. Naval Institute
Amount: Up to $500
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to amateur and professional photographers. Applicant must submit an original photo that can cover any subject and should pertain to the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, or the sea itself.

YoungArts Competition
Sponsor: National YoungArts Foundation
Amount: Up to $10,000
Closing Date: October 6, 2026
Description: Competition is open to students between the ages of 15 and 18 who have talent in visual, literary, design or performing arts. There is a $35 application fee, but it can be waived if you meet requirements.

Wiki Loves Monuments
Sponsor: Wikipedia Commons
Amount: Up to $500
Closing Date: October 31, 2026
Description: Program is open to all individuals worldwide. Individual must submit a photo of a U.S. historic site. Program will accept multiple photos.

National Geographic Content Scholarship
Sponsor: National Geographic
Amount: $5,000.00
Closing Date: November 2, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors who are majoring in media/communications or are interested in creative storytelling. Applicant must be attending one of the ten Target Schools (Howard University, University of DC, Gallaudet University, Morgan State University, Bowie State University, Georgetown University, American University, George Mason University, PG Community College, Marymount University).

Youth Art Contest
Sponsor: Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
Amount: UP to $200
Closing Date: November 13, 2026
Description: Contest is open to students 18 years of age or younger who are directly or indirectly affected by cancer. Applicant must submit an original piece of artwork or photo.

Fields of Corn Photo Contest
Sponsor: National Corn Growers Association
Amount: Up to $500
Closing Date: November 17, 2026
Description: Contest is open to legal residents of the United States. Applicant must submit a photo that helps tell the story of farming field corn in America.