YJI Photo Essay Contest
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
Award Certificate
International photojournalism contest by YJI for young journalists aged 19 and under, recognizing outstanding photo essay storytelling. Individual and team entries accepted.
Mode
Online
Fee
$7 for one student, $15 for a team of up to 3, $25 for a team of 4 or more
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 2 or more
Duration
Annual contest cycle
Time needed
Submission of previously published work
Eligibility
Open to non-professional journalists aged 19 and under worldwide. Work must have been published or broadcast in English during the previous calendar year. Entries accepted from school publications, blogs, online papers, and other venues.
- Age range
- Up to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Published photo essay series accessible online with a public link
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Award Certificate
Custom-made award certificates for all winners from first place to honorable mention
Recognition
International Journalism Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 13 Feb 2026
- Results
- 2 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Submit entry via YJI online form with public link to published photo essay
- 2Pay entry fee ($7 individual, $15-$25 team). Fee waivers available
Rules and guidelines
- Entrants must be non-professional journalists aged 19 or under
- All entries must be accessible online with a public link
- Work must have been published or broadcast in English during the previous calendar year
- Previous first-place winners are not eligible to enter the same category again
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual entry fee is $7 USD. Team entries cost $15 for three people or fewer and $25 for four or more. Fee waivers are available for individuals facing financial hardship: write to contest@youthjournalism.org. Waiver requests are limited to two entries.
About this opportunity
The YJI Photo Essay Contest is a category within the annual Youth Journalism International (YJI) contest, recognizing outstanding photojournalism by young people aged 19 and under. Participants submit a series of photographs that tells a cohesive story, demonstrating narrative skills through visual journalism.
Open to non-professional journalists worldwide, the contest accepts entries from school publications, personal blogs, online platforms, and other venues. All work must have been published or broadcast in English during the previous calendar year. Both individual and team entries are accepted.
All entries are evaluated by a global panel of more than two dozen judges including professional journalists, teachers, and media experts. Winners from first place to honorable mention receive custom-made award certificates recognizing their photojournalism excellence.
The contest is conducted entirely online, with entries submitted via the YJI entry form. Entry requires a public link to the published photo essay. Fee waivers are available for individuals experiencing financial hardship.
Rounds and format
Single round evaluation of previously published photo essay work by a global panel of judges
How entries are judged
Storytelling through visual narrative, journalistic quality, originality, visual impact, and technical execution of photographs.
Selection process
Entries are evaluated based on their photojournalism excellence, with winners from first place to honorable mention receiving awards.
How to prepare
- Reviewing past winning photo essays
- Studying principles of photojournalism and visual storytelling
- Practicing photography and essay composition
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
What are the key elements judges look for in a winning photo essay?
Judges prioritize compelling visual storytelling, strong journalistic quality, originality of concept, impactful imagery, and excellent technical execution. A cohesive narrative conveyed through a series of photographs is crucial.
How can participants manage competitive pressure and maintain focus during the contest?
Participants are encouraged to focus on their unique storytelling perspective and the quality of their work rather than external competition. Engaging with the creative process and learning from feedback are more beneficial than solely focusing on winning.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Photography Programme at National Bal Bhavan
by National Bal Bhavan
A year-round photography and videography activity for children at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, covering camera skills, darkroom work and video production.
What your child could gain:
YJI Multimedia Feature Contest
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
International multimedia feature contest by YJI for young journalists aged 19 and under. Video, audio, and mixed-media feature storytelling entries accepted.
What your child could gain:
Global Photography Contest (GPC) Mobile Photography
by iNNOVIZE
An international mobile photography contest for aspiring photographers to showcase creativity, win cash prizes, medals, and achieve global recognition.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app