28th January - Monochrome - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 23rd January 2026.

25th February - Leading Lines - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 20th February 2026.

25th March - Night photography - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 20th March 2026.

29th April - Unedited - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 24th April 2026.

27th May - Transport - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 22nd May 2026.

24th June - Wildlife - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 19th June 2026.

29th July - Abandoned & Discarded - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 24th July 2026.

26th August - In the Garden - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 21st August 2026.

30th September - Motion - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 25th September 2026.

28th October - Mobile Phone Photos - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 23rd October 2026.

25th November - Fungi - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 20th November 2026.

16th December - Best Shot of the Year (online) - Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 11th December 2026.

The Theme for the January 2026 competition is Monochrome.

Monochrome photographs are images created using variations of a single colour or tone, most commonly shades of black, white, and grey. Unlike colour photography, which captures the full spectrum of hues, monochrome emphasizes contrast, texture, and form, allowing the viewer to focus on composition and lighting rather than colour. This style often evokes a timeless, classic aesthetic and can convey mood and emotion with striking simplicity. By stripping away colour, monochrome photography highlights details and patterns that might otherwise be overlooked, making it a powerful medium for artistic expression and storytelling..

The Theme for the February 2026 competition is Leading Lines.

Leading lines in photography refer to compositional elements—such as roads, rivers, fences, bridges, or even shadows—that naturally guide the viewer’s eye toward a specific point in the image, often the main subject. These lines create a sense of depth, perspective, and movement, making the photo more dynamic and engaging.

Here are some key aspects of leading lines:

• Purpose: They draw attention to the focal point and help tell a visual story.
• Types of Lines: Straight, curved, diagonal, or converging lines can all serve as leading lines.
• Effect: They add depth and dimension, making two-dimensional images feel more three-dimensional.
• Placement: Leading lines often start from the foreground and lead toward the background or subject.

The Theme for the March 2026 competition is Night Photography.

Night photography is a genre of photography that involves capturing images in low-light conditions, typically outdoors after sunset and before sunrise. It often requires specialized techniques and equipment to handle the challenges of limited natural light.

Key characteristics include:

• The use of long exposure times to allow more light to reach the camera sensor.
• Tripods (or Monopods) for stability during extended exposures.
• High ISO settings or wide apertures to compensate for darkness.

The Theme for the April 2026 competition is Unedited.

An unedited photograph is generally defined as:

A photo that has not been altered, enhanced, or manipulated after being captured by the camera.

This means:

• No post-processing has been applied (e.g., no changes to brightness, contrast, colour balance, cropping, or retouching).
• The image remains in its original state as recorded by the camera sensor.
• It may include the camera’s default settings (like JPEG compression or in-camera colour adjustments), but nothing done manually afterward.

The photograph can be of any subject or genres.

The Theme for the May 2026 competition is Transport.

Transport photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing images of various modes of transportation and related subjects. This includes vehicles such as cars, trains, buses, airplanes, ships, and bicycles, as well as infrastructure like roads, railways, airports, and harbours. The aim is often to document, celebrate, or creatively interpret the design, movement, and cultural significance of transport systems.

It can encompass several styles, such as:

• Documentary: Recording transportation in its real-world context for historical or informational purposes.
• Artistic: Using composition, lighting, and perspective to create visually striking images.
• Commercial: Showcasing vehicles for advertising or promotional material.
• Enthusiast/Hobbyist: Capturing rare or iconic vehicles, events, or transport-related scenes.

The Theme for the June 2026 competition is Wildlife.

Photographing wildlife is all about patience, preparation, and respect for nature. The key is to understand your subject—study its habits, movements, and preferred environments—so you can anticipate the perfect moment. Use a telephoto lens to maintain distance without disturbing the animal and always prioritize safety for both you and the wildlife. Natural light is your best friend, so aim for early mornings or late afternoons when the light is soft and golden. Keep your camera settings ready for quick action shots, as wildlife can be unpredictable. Most importantly, approach with care and leave no trace, ensuring the environment remains untouched for future encounters.

The Theme for the July 2026 competition is Abandoned & Discarded.

Photographing abandoned, discarded, and dilapidated places is an art form that captures the beauty in decay and the stories left behind. These forgotten spaces—crumbling buildings, rusting machinery, and weathered objects—offer a raw, authentic aesthetic that contrasts with the polished world around us. Each image becomes a silent narrative of time, neglect, and resilience, inviting viewers to imagine the lives once intertwined with these remnants. The interplay of light, texture, and shadow in such environments creates dramatic compositions, making them a worthy subject for photographers seeking emotion and depth beyond the ordinary.

The Theme for the August 2026 competition is In the garden.

Taking photographs in your garden is a wonderful way to capture the beauty of nature right outside your door. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural light, creating soft shadows and warm tones that make flowers and foliage look vibrant. Experiment with different angles—get low to photograph blooms from underneath or focus on close-up details like dew drops on petals. Including elements such as garden paths, fences, or wildlife can add depth and interest to your shots. Patience is key; sometimes waiting for a butterfly to land or the wind to settle can turn an ordinary photo into something truly special.

The Theme for the September 2026 competition is Motion.

Capturing motion photographs for a competition requires a balance of technical skill and creative vision. The key is to freeze dynamic action while conveying the sense of movement and energy that makes the shot compelling. Start by selecting a fast shutter speed to avoid blur, or experiment with panning techniques to create artistic streaks that emphasize speed. Lighting plays a crucial role—natural light often enhances clarity and depth, while artificial setups can add drama. Composition matters just as much; anticipate the subject’s movement and frame the shot to tell a story rather than simply record an event. Above all, practice timing and patience, as the perfect motion shot often comes down to a split-second decision.

The Theme for the October 2026 competition is Mobile Phone Photos.

Taking photographs on a mobile phone for a competition requires creativity, attention to detail, and an understanding of your device’s capabilities. Start by ensuring good lighting—natural light often produces the best results. Use your phone’s focus and exposure settings to highlight the subject clearly and experiment with angles to create a unique perspective. Avoid cluttered backgrounds and keep the composition balanced using techniques like the rule of thirds. Finally, edit thoughtfully to enhance colours and sharpness without over-processing, so your photo looks natural and professional.

The Theme for the November 2026 competition is Fungi.

Capturing fungi for a photography competition requires a blend of creativity and technical precision. Start by seeking out interesting specimens in natural habitats, paying attention to their textures, colours, and unique shapes. Lighting is crucial—soft, diffused light often works best to highlight delicate details without harsh shadows. Get low and experiment with angles to emphasize the fungi’s structure and its relationship with the environment. A macro lens or close-up setting can reveal intricate patterns that make your image stand out. Finally, consider composition: include surrounding elements like moss or fallen leaves to create context and visual harmony. Patience and observation are key—sometimes the smallest fungi can produce the most striking photographs.

The best time of year to photograph fungi is typically autumn, especially from late August through November in temperate regions like the UK. This is when conditions are ideal—cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and frequent rainfall create the perfect environment for mushrooms and other fungi to thrive. Woodland floors, mossy logs, and leaf litter are often rich with species during this period.

The Theme for the December 2026 competition is Best shot of the year.

Best shot of the year is your very best shot taken in this year. It can be any subject, it can already have been entered into a monthly competition. The only criteria is that it must have been taken in 2026.