POLARPHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Competition 2026

The Jury

Experts. Visionaries. Storytellers.

Our jury is composed of internationally recognised photographers, editors and visual storytellers with a deep connection to the polar regions.

Excellence

We look for the highest standards in photography.

Impartiality

Every entry is judged anonymously, fairly and independently.

Experience

Our jurors bring diverse perspectives and global expertise.

Passion

We are united by a love for the polar regions and the power of images.

Meet our jury

JAPortrait coming soon

Juror A

Wildlife Photographer

JBPortrait coming soon

Juror B

Picture Editor, Curator

JCPortrait coming soon

Juror C

Documentary Photographer, Chair of the Jury

JDPortrait coming soon

Juror D

Expedition Photographer

JEPortrait coming soon

Juror E

Photo Editor

How judging works

Judging has two stages: online scoring, then a meeting of the jury in person.

  1. 01

    Online scoring

    Every juror scores every entry anonymously from 1 to 10 on three criteria: Artistic Excellence, Northern & Polar Identity, and Impact & Storytelling. The scores are averaged into a ranking for each section.

  2. 02

    Jury meeting

    The jury meets in person to review the highest-ranked images together and decide the medals, the Jury Choice awards, the ribbons, the Honourable Mentions and the title of Polar Photographer of the Year.

Jury Evaluation Criteria

Each photograph is evaluated according to three criteria, each scored from 1 to 10.

  1. Criterion 1

    Artistic Excellence

    Composition, lighting, colour, technical quality, timing, originality and overall photographic craftsmanship.

  2. Criterion 2

    Northern & Polar Identity

    How effectively the photograph captures the character, atmosphere and distinctive qualities of the North, the Arctic or Antarctica. Images do not need to contain snow or ice to convey this identity.

  3. Criterion 3

    Impact & Storytelling

    Emotional impact, storytelling, the strength of the captured moment, audience engagement and the photograph's ability to leave a lasting impression.

Join a community of visionaries

Our jurors come from around the world, sharing a commitment to storytelling, conservation and the beauty of the polar regions.

Contact the jury office
Polar bear roaring on ice floes in crashing water

Be part of something extraordinary

Show the Arctic. Inspire the world.

Enter now

Entries open 1 November 2026

Photo: Andrii Urlov