Epson has officially opened submissions for the 17th Epson International Pano Awards 2026, the world’s largest competition dedicated to panoramic photography. The annual contest continues to spotlight wide-format visual storytelling while expanding categories to reflect the rise of drone and aerial imaging.
Supported by Epson Southeast Asia, the competition reinforces the company’s long-running role in imaging and print technology for photographers, while also highlighting the growing influence of Southeast Asia’s creative community in global photography contests.
Panoramic photography competition opens global submissions
The 2026 edition of the Epson International Pano Awards is now accepting entries from both professional and amateur photographers worldwide. Early-bird submissions run until 22 June 2026, while the final deadline is set for July 13.
Eligible entries must follow panoramic format requirements with a minimum 2:1 aspect ratio in either landscape or portrait orientation. The competition continues to serve as a platform for wide-format storytelling across landscapes, architecture, and experimental imaging.
The awards have been running since 2010 and have grown into a key global showcase for panoramic photography, attracting more than 3,000 entries from 95 countries in 2025 alone.
New aerial category expands creative possibilities
A major update for 2026 is the introduction of a dedicated Aerial category in both the Open and Amateur divisions, reflecting the growing role of drones and elevated perspectives in modern photography workflows.
Alongside this addition, OPPO Photography Awards 2026 retains its core divisions, including Nature and Landscape, Built Environment and Architecture, VR and 360-degree imagery, as well as its Open and Amateur categories.
Organizers said the expansion is designed to accommodate new visual techniques shaping contemporary photography, particularly in regions where aerial imaging is becoming more accessible to creators.
The total prize pool for 2026 exceeds US$50,000, including US$15,000 in cash prizes. The overall Open winner will also receive a package valued at more than US$11,000 in cash and equipment.
Epson highlights Southeast Asia’s growing photography scene
Epson Southeast Asia emphasized the region’s increasing presence in global photography competitions, noting stronger participation from Southeast Asian photographers in recent years.
The company positions the Pano Awards as both a creative platform and a showcase for evolving urban and cultural landscapes across the region.
According to Epson Southeast Asia, panoramic photography offers a unique way to document rapidly changing cities, coastlines, and cultural environments, particularly in emerging creative markets.
Judging panel and global recognition
The 2026 judging panel includes internationally recognized photographers and visual artists such as Bill Bailey, Dan Zafra, Daniel Kordan, and Jennifer Renwick, among others.
Epson said its continued sponsorship of the awards also supports exhibition-quality printing and presentation of winning works, bridging imaging technology with professional photography output.
The competition remains open to global entrants, with full submission details available through The Pano Awards website.
