Epson has officially opened entries for the 17th Epson International Pano Awards, widely recognized as the world’s largest competition dedicated to panoramic photography. Backed by Epson Southeast Asia as a major sponsor, the global competition continues to spotlight exceptional visual storytelling while championing photographers across the region and beyond.
Entries for the 2026 edition are now being accepted, with early-bird submissions running until June 22, 2026, and the final deadline set for July 13, 2026. The competition is open to both professional and amateur photographers worldwide, inviting entries in panoramic format with a minimum aspect ratio of 2:1—whether in landscape or portrait orientation.
A new aerial perspective takes flight
This year, the awards introduce an exciting new Aerial category across both Open and Amateur divisions—reflecting the rapid rise of drone photography and the expanding creative possibilities of capturing sweeping perspectives from above.
Returning categories include:
- Nature and Landscape
- Built Environment and Architecture
- VR/360
Together, these divisions offer photographers multiple avenues to showcase technical mastery and creative vision.
The 2026 competition also raises the stakes with a prize pool exceeding US$50,000, including US$15,000 in cash prizes. The overall Open winner will receive a prize package valued at more than US$11,000, combining cash and Epson products.
A global stage for panoramic excellence
Since its launch in 2010, the Epson International Pano Awards has grown into a premier platform for panoramic photography, attracting over 3,000 entries from 95 countries in 2025 alone. Participation from Asia—particularly Southeast Asia—continues to surge, underscoring the region’s growing influence in the global photography scene.
According to curator David Evans, the new Aerial category adds fresh creative opportunities for entrants, while early-bird participants submitting five or more entries can enjoy a 20% discount and qualify for a US$1,000 Curator’s Award.
Elevating Southeast Asian talent
For Hattori Tai, the awards are more than just a competition—they are a platform for regional storytellers to gain global recognition.
He emphasized that Southeast Asia’s photography community is among the most dynamic in the world, with panoramic photography offering a powerful medium to capture the region’s rapidly evolving cities, coastlines, and cultures. Through its continued support, Epson aims not only to provide world-class printing technology for exhibitions but also to amplify the visibility of emerging talents across the region.
World-class judging panel
The 2026 competition will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of international photography experts, including Bill Bailey, Aaron Spence, Dan Zafra, Jacky Lee, Daniel Kordan, Abe Blair, Annette Mossbacher, and Jennifer Renwick, among others—ensuring a rigorous and globally respected selection process.
How to join
Photographers interested in joining the 17th Epson International Pano Awards can view full details, terms, and submission guidelines at: https://thepanoawards.com/enter-awards/
With new categories, a growing global community, and substantial prizes, this year’s competition offers an unparalleled opportunity for photographers to elevate their work—and capture the world from a broader perspective.
