20 Creative Photo Contest Ideas

Inspire Your Next Photography Contest

A women holding a smartphone taking a photo of a lake
A women holding a smartphone taking a photo of a lake.

Spark Creativity with These Photo Contest Ideas

Hosting a photo contest on picClique is a fantastic way to engage photographers, spark creativity, and build a vibrant community. Below, we’ve curated 20 exciting photo contest topic ideas to inspire stunning submissions and boost participation.

Cityscape with skyscrapers and a blue sky

1. Urban Jungle

Capture the vibrant energy of city life, from towering skyscrapers to gritty alleyways. This theme encourages photographers to explore urban landscapes creatively.

Calm lake surrounded green trees

2. Nature’s Serenity

Photograph tranquil landscapes or serene natural scenes to evoke peace. Think calm lakes, misty mountains, or quiet forests.

Candid portrait of a man sitting on the curb

3. Street Portraits

Capture candid or posed portraits of people in urban settings. Highlight their stories through expressive faces and dynamic backgrounds.

Close-up of what looks to be a colorful feather

4. Macro Magic

Zoom in on tiny details like insects, flowers, or textures. Reveal the hidden beauty of small subjects with stunning close-ups.

Old motel sign

5. Vintage Vibes

Create nostalgic images with retro aesthetics or vintage subjects. Think classic cars, old radios, or sepia-toned scenes.

Dark blue winther sky with white snow

6. Colors of the Season

Capture a season’s essence through its colors, like autumn’s oranges or winter’s blues. Highlight seasonal beauty in creative ways.

Dock centered in frame over the water

7. Minimalist Moments

Embrace simplicity with clean lines and negative space. Create striking images using minimalistic compositions.

Colorful diplay of macarons

8. Food Photography

Photograph mouthwatering dishes, from gourmet meals to rustic snacks. Focus on textures, colors, and styling.

City skyline illuminated at night

9. Night Lights

Explore the magic of nighttime with city lights or starry skies. Use long exposures for dynamic effects.

Colorful festival with poeple in a dragon costume

10. Cultural Celebrations

Document vibrant festivals or cultural traditions. Showcase diversity through colorful costumes and rituals.

Abstract metal sculpture in a city

11. Abstract Art

Create visually striking images using shapes and patterns. Experiment with unconventional perspectives for unique results.

Dog leaping with two other dogs

12. Pets in Action

Capture pets playing or showing their personalities. Highlight their energy and charm in dynamic shots.

Modern building with geometric patterns

13. Architectural Wonders

Photograph iconic buildings or unique architectural details. Use creative angles to highlight design beauty.

Hill reflected in a calm lake

14. Reflections

Use mirrors, water, or glass to create captivating images with reflections. This theme encourages experimentation with symmetry and light.

Small boat navigating a mountain river passage

15. Travel Adventures

Showcase the spirit of travel with photos of exotic locations or road trips. Capture the excitement of new experiences.

Black and white photo of a mountain

16. Black and White Beauty

Create striking monochromatic images that emphasize contrast and texture. This theme highlights the power of simplicity.

Colored pencils with an eraser and pencil sharpener

17. Everyday Objects

Transform ordinary items like keys or books into extraordinary subjects. Use creative angles and lighting for unique shots.

Several zebra together

18. Wildlife Wonders

Capture animals in their natural habitats, showcasing their beauty and behaviors. This theme celebrates the diversity of wildlife.

City train in motion with a blurred effect

19. Motion Blur

Use slow shutter speeds to capture the energy of moving subjects like dancers or cars. This theme adds a dynamic feel to photos.

Ocean and clouds in golden hour light

20. Golden Hour Glow

Photograph scenes during the golden hour for warm, soft lighting. This theme creates a magical ambiance in every shot.

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