Impact Behind the Lens Photo Competition

Capturing the Power of Social Impact Through the Lens. Calling all visionary photographers to submit their most compelling and thought-provoking images encapsulating the essence of positive social impact within communities. Through your lens, explore the stories of resilience, compassion, collaboration, and innovation transforming lives for the better. Capture the tangible results of initiatives, programs, or individuals that have brought about positive change, highlighting the ripple effects that extend beyond individuals to touch and uplift entire communities.

In a world of diverse cultures, interconnected communities, and shared challenges, Social Entrepreneurs lead the charge in creating bold solutions. Their work engages communities facing critical issues, improving lives while capturing stories that can shape policy and shift perspectives.

We invite photographers to submit compelling images that celebrate these moments of positive change and community impact. This competition highlights how social entrepreneurs interact, innovate, and empower others to shape their own futures.

Calling all visionary photographers: share thought-provoking images that capture resilience, compassion, collaboration, and innovation. Showcase tangible results from programs, initiatives, or individuals that uplift entire communities.

Topics may include (but are not limited to) the following in underserved communities:

• Alleviating poverty
• Climate resilience
• Women’s economic power
• Access to water
• Regenerative agriculture
• Education and skill development
• Healthcare and well-being
• Environmental sustainability
• Cultural preservation
• Social justice and equality
• Entrepreneurship and economic power
• No photos of children, please.

Deadline: June 1, 2026
Awards:

• First place winner will be awarded a $500 gift certificate to B&H Photo
• Second place winner will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to B&H Photo
• Third-place winner will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to B&H Photo

Entry Fee: None. Administrative costs are covered by sponsoring organizations.

Judging Criteria:
Entries will be reviewed by experts in photography, community development, and the arts, based on:

• Relevance to the theme
• Emotional impact
• Composition and visual appeal
• Technical excellence
• Storytelling effectiveness
• Creativity
• Uniqueness
• Ability to evoke emotion
• Mastery of photographic techniques (composition, lighting, focus, framing)

Respect subjects’ rights, dignity, and privacy; obtain necessary permissions and consents

TImeline:

• Submissions accepted through June 1, 2026
• Jury selection June - August 2026
• Winners notified September 2026

Each submission must include a brief narrative (up to 500 words) explaining the following:

• The photograph’s context
• Its significance
• Its impact
• How it reflects positive change within the community

Total media per entrant (uploaded through CaFÉ My Portfolio only) :

• Minimum: 1 image
• Maximum: 2 images

Image specifications:

• File format: .jpeg or .jpg
• High resolution
• Maximum file size: 5 MB per image
• Minimum 1,200 pixels on the longest side
• Follow CaFÉ guidelines for image preparation
• Upload a signed Santa Clara University photo release

• Open to photographers worldwide (both amateur and professional)
• Entrants must be 18 years or older
• Original lens-based photography only (film, digital, smartphone, scanner, screen capture, composites allowed)
• No AI-generated images permitted
• No full or partial nudity permitted