Rise Festival is all about celebrating arts and culture, learning more about campaigning and elevating the voices of young people.
At the festival we will have artist performances and hear from creatives – but we also wanted a way for more creatives to get involved, so we set up the Rise Festival Photo Competition.
Anyone can enter, as long as you are over 18 years old. All you have to do is take a photo on the theme ‘How We Rise’ and submit it by 27 August. You do not need a professional camera or any previous photography experience. You can use your phone, a digital camera, or whatever you have available. What matters most is the story, feeling or moment you choose to capture.
At the festival, we will present a short list and then the winner will be selected live by the audience. The winner will also receive some fantastic prizes! Check out the details below.
The Theme: How We Rise
What does rising look like in your world?
It might be an act of courage, joy, resistance, friendship or care. It could be a moment of rebuilding, a place that feels like home, a person who inspires you, or something small in everyday life that gives you hope.
We are looking for photographs that make us pause, feel something or see the world through someone else’s eyes.
How The Competition Works
Once submissions close, world-renowned photographer and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Misan Harriman will review the entries and select the official shortlist.
The shortlisted photographs will be showcased during the Rise Festival on 4 and 5 September 2026. Everyone attending the festival will then have the opportunity to vote for their favourite, with the winner announced live during Rise.
The Prizes
The winner will receive:
A $500 USD cash prize, to spend however they choose.
A professionally produced print of their winning photograph, delivered to them as a lasting celebration of their work.
A dedicated artist spotlight from Choose Love, featuring the winning photograph and the story behind it across our website, social media and post-festival communications.
How To Enter
Choose one original photograph that responds to the theme How We Rise.
Give your photograph a title and include a short caption, no more than 100 words, telling us about the image and what it means to you.
The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Entries must be submitted by 23:59 UTC on Thursday 27 August 2026. ⏰
Your photograph can be newly taken or something you have captured previously, provided it is your own original work. Basic editing, such as cropping or adjusting brightness and colour, is welcome, but fully AI-generated images will not be accepted.
Please also make sure you have permission from anyone who is clearly identifiable in your photograph. Do not submit an image that could reveal someone’s sensitive location, place them at risk, or compromise their privacy or safety.
You do not need expensive equipment. You do not need to call yourself a photographer. You simply need an image with something to say.
We cannot wait to see how you capture How We Rise.
Good luck! 📷💫
With love,
Rise Festival Team
Choose Love x
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