Visual journalism Archives

Fellowships & Grants

Roy W. Dean Grant for Filmmakers

"The Roy W. Dean Grant funds independent films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made." Grants range from $3,000-3,500, along with up to $20,000 in services and discounts for production and post-production. Grant application fee waivers are available for those in financial need. 2026 deadlines:

Spring Grant: March 31
Short Film Grant: April 30
Summer Grant: June 30
Fall Grant: October 31
Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers: November 30

Roy W. Dean Grant for Filmmakers

Summary:

"The Roy W. Dean Grant funds independent films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made." Grants range from $3,000-3,500, along with up to $20,000 in services and discounts for production and post-production. Grant application fee waivers are available for those in financial need. 2026 deadlines:

Spring Grant: March 31
Short Film Grant: April 30
Summer Grant: June 30
Fall Grant: October 31
Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers: November 30

Category:

For:

VISIT

Resource Database / Guide

Visualizing Climate Litigation

Climate Visuals

"Limited to familiar photographs of people on court steps, or stock images of corporate offices, the visual language of climate litigation is often restricted to depicting a technical process or functioning as surface-level illustration alongside text. But what about the realities of the human and environmental stories being fought in court? Photography can bring those realities into sharp focus for audiences, connecting technical details and context with relatable, engaging, human stories. ... This resource, informed by conversations across the litigation, photography, journalism and NGO sectors, aims to provide practical guidance for making and distributing engaging visual storytelling of climate litigation, making the most of the opportunities that effective photography offers, and helping to get the right images into the right hands and in front of audiences."

Visualizing Climate Litigation

Summary:

"Limited to familiar photographs of people on court steps, or stock images of corporate offices, the visual language of climate litigation is often restricted to depicting a technical process or functioning as surface-level illustration alongside text. But what about the realities of the human and environmental stories being fought in court? Photography can bring those realities into sharp focus for audiences, connecting technical details and context with relatable, engaging, human stories. ... This resource, informed by conversations across the litigation, photography, journalism and NGO sectors, aims to provide practical guidance for making and distributing engaging visual storytelling of climate litigation, making the most of the opportunities that effective photography offers, and helping to get the right images into the right hands and in front of audiences."

Organization:

Climate Visuals

Category:

For:

Journalists

VISIT

Awards

50X50: Science Across America

"50X50: Science Across America is a new YouTube series by the Independent Media Initiative (IMI) to uncover the most compelling science in America. We’re partnering with 50 creators and 50 scientists across each of the 50 states to publish 50 videos in celebration of American science. From physics to chemistry, agriculture to biomedicine, geology to astronomy, 50X50 Science explores science as it exists everywhere. Each creator will profile a researcher in their native state to create a panorama of American science, and share it on their own YouTube channel for a platform-wide takeover spanning 50 days. ... Videos will roll out region-by-region across the United States starting in September and ending in November, 2026. The 50 creators will be selected by early April 2026. ... 50x50, together with production partner HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, has access to many of the country’s most exceptional scientists. If you're in search of a story, we can help matchmake."

50X50: Science Across America

Summary:

"50X50: Science Across America is a new YouTube series by the Independent Media Initiative (IMI) to uncover the most compelling science in America. We’re partnering with 50 creators and 50 scientists across each of the 50 states to publish 50 videos in celebration of American science. From physics to chemistry, agriculture to biomedicine, geology to astronomy, 50X50 Science explores science as it exists everywhere. Each creator will profile a researcher in their native state to create a panorama of American science, and share it on their own YouTube channel for a platform-wide takeover spanning 50 days. ... Videos will roll out region-by-region across the United States starting in September and ending in November, 2026. The 50 creators will be selected by early April 2026. ... 50x50, together with production partner HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, has access to many of the country’s most exceptional scientists. If you're in search of a story, we can help matchmake."

Category:

For:

VISIT

Fellowships & Grants

Arab Documentary Film Program

The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture

"The Documentary Film program supports creative documentary films in the Arab region. The program welcomes submissions by Arab directors of feature-length documentary film projects that are in development, production or post-production phases, as well as short and medium-length documentaries in production and post-production. The Documentary Film program provides annual grants up to USD 10,000 for development grants, up to USD 50,000 for production grants for feature-length films and USD 20,000 for short and medium-length documentaries, and up to USD 25,000 for post-production grants for feature-length films and USD 10,000 for short and medium-length documentaries." Deadline: April 2, 2026.

Arab Documentary Film Program

Summary:

"The Documentary Film program supports creative documentary films in the Arab region. The program welcomes submissions by Arab directors of feature-length documentary film projects that are in development, production or post-production phases, as well as short and medium-length documentaries in production and post-production. The Documentary Film program provides annual grants up to USD 10,000 for development grants, up to USD 50,000 for production grants for feature-length films and USD 20,000 for short and medium-length documentaries, and up to USD 25,000 for post-production grants for feature-length films and USD 10,000 for short and medium-length documentaries." Deadline: April 2, 2026.

Organization:

The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

National Wildlife Photo Contest

National Wildlife® magazine’s annual photo contest supports the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Federation. It's open to amateur and professional photographers. Entry fee is $20 to enter up to 10 photos for a chance to win one of 18 cash prizes, including the $5,000 grand prize. Deadline: March 22, 2026 extended to March 29.

National Wildlife Photo Contest

Summary:

National Wildlife® magazine’s annual photo contest supports the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Federation. It's open to amateur and professional photographers. Entry fee is $20 to enter up to 10 photos for a chance to win one of 18 cash prizes, including the $5,000 grand prize. Deadline: March 22, 2026 extended to March 29.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Video

Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters

"Illustration is a powerful and important tool for conservation, bringing science to life and presenting complex information in an engaging format. In this episode, we are continuing our exploration of the role of art in science communication and research with two other talented artists, Maya Hutagalung and Dr. Madison Sankovitz. Rachel and I have had the good fortune to work with them both over the last few months because they have been Science Illustration Interns here at the Xerces Society. "

Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters

Summary:

"Illustration is a powerful and important tool for conservation, bringing science to life and presenting complex information in an engaging format. In this episode, we are continuing our exploration of the role of art in science communication and research with two other talented artists, Maya Hutagalung and Dr. Madison Sankovitz. Rachel and I have had the good fortune to work with them both over the last few months because they have been Science Illustration Interns here at the Xerces Society. "

Published By:

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society Podcast

Date:

January 20, 2026

Category:

For:

VISIT

Fellowships & Grants

Nick Oza Visual Fellowship

Altavoz Lab

"The inaugural Nick Oza Visual Fellowship will uplift one emerging or mid-career documentary photographer who tells the stories of their own community in Arizona and New Mexico (we will consider other surrounding underrepresented regions in the Southwest depending on need). Duration: 1 year total." Deadline: Feb. 23, 2026.

"Fellowship Stipend: $15,000. Additional funds will be available for projects with a strong public engagement plan.
Mentorship: Fellow will virtually meet with Roberto “Bear” Guerra, Visuals Editor at High Country News, every month and in person at least three times throughout the year.
Personal Development Opportunities: Fellow will receive a one-on-one review with leading visual editors and photojournalists to refine their craft and expand professional networks. Plus, the possibility of securing national publication to further showcase the work.
Build Community: Fellow will join a dedicated cohort of like-minded community-based journalists at Altavoz Lab, with opportunities for further mentorship and professional development."

Nick Oza Visual Fellowship

Summary:

"The inaugural Nick Oza Visual Fellowship will uplift one emerging or mid-career documentary photographer who tells the stories of their own community in Arizona and New Mexico (we will consider other surrounding underrepresented regions in the Southwest depending on need). Duration: 1 year total." Deadline: Feb. 23, 2026.

"Fellowship Stipend: $15,000. Additional funds will be available for projects with a strong public engagement plan.
Mentorship: Fellow will virtually meet with Roberto “Bear” Guerra, Visuals Editor at High Country News, every month and in person at least three times throughout the year.
Personal Development Opportunities: Fellow will receive a one-on-one review with leading visual editors and photojournalists to refine their craft and expand professional networks. Plus, the possibility of securing national publication to further showcase the work.
Build Community: Fellow will join a dedicated cohort of like-minded community-based journalists at Altavoz Lab, with opportunities for further mentorship and professional development."

Organization:

Altavoz Lab

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

"Pictures of the Year International began as a photographic contest in 1944 by Cliff Edom at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. ... POY is an educational program. Connecting students and the public with the curated work in POY shows the value of photojournalism and allows people to interpret the news and historic events through an empathetic lens." POY comprises Pictures of the Year International (deadline Jan. 18, 2026), CPOY (College Photographer of the Year), POY Latam (Latin America; biannual, next in 2027) and POY Asia. POY International has 83 categories, including Science & Natural History, Science & Natural History Picture Story and Environmental Vision Award, some with cash prizes.

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

Summary:

"Pictures of the Year International began as a photographic contest in 1944 by Cliff Edom at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. ... POY is an educational program. Connecting students and the public with the curated work in POY shows the value of photojournalism and allows people to interpret the news and historic events through an empathetic lens." POY comprises Pictures of the Year International (deadline Jan. 18, 2026), CPOY (College Photographer of the Year), POY Latam (Latin America; biannual, next in 2027) and POY Asia. POY International has 83 categories, including Science & Natural History, Science & Natural History Picture Story and Environmental Vision Award, some with cash prizes.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

NPPA Best of Photojournalism

National Press Photographers Association

"Photojournalists bear witness to history on a daily basis. They stand on the sidewalks and sit in the living rooms of neighborhoods internationally with a shared mission to inform the public. Through well-researched stories and the documentation of life events, audiences rely on these journalists to ethically inform them of what is happening in their communities and to give an understanding to why specific moments in time should matter to us all. The Best of Photojournalism recognizes the ways in which this type of photography is produced and it proudly honors the journalists who do it. It also recognizes all of the steps it takes to execute compelling still and video imagery in the modern news era." Multiple categories, including science. Deadline: Jan. 18, 2026.

NPPA Best of Photojournalism

Summary:

"Photojournalists bear witness to history on a daily basis. They stand on the sidewalks and sit in the living rooms of neighborhoods internationally with a shared mission to inform the public. Through well-researched stories and the documentation of life events, audiences rely on these journalists to ethically inform them of what is happening in their communities and to give an understanding to why specific moments in time should matter to us all. The Best of Photojournalism recognizes the ways in which this type of photography is produced and it proudly honors the journalists who do it. It also recognizes all of the steps it takes to execute compelling still and video imagery in the modern news era." Multiple categories, including science. Deadline: Jan. 18, 2026.

Organization:

National Press Photographers Association

Category:

For:

VISIT

Film competition

Wildscreen Official Selection

The biennial Wildscreen Festival's "Official Selection showcases creative and bold stories that spark positive and restorative action for our natural world, acting as a global launchpad for new and diverse voices. From short and feature films to extended reality productions, the Official Selection platforms new voices, original stories and vital messages about nature. ... The Official Selection is separate from the Panda Awards, our industry and craft-focused film competition." The 2026 festival takes place Oct. 19-22 in the UK. Enter your film by February 24 (earlybird); April 16 (regular); May 13 (late).

Awards

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

"BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences." Deadline: March 1, 2026 extended to March 8. A discount is available to women photographers during February, through to the extended deadline, with the code WILDWOMEN30.

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

Summary:

"BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences." Deadline: March 1, 2026 extended to March 8. A discount is available to women photographers during February, through to the extended deadline, with the code WILDWOMEN30.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Events

Wildscreen’s Science in Storytelling Online Event

"Science in Storytelling is back, and this time we’ll be completely online! We’re bringing the 2026 edition of Science in Storytelling to you in the comfort of your own home, or wherever you happen to be; on shoot or out on location in some remote corner of the world. This event brings scientists and filmmakers together in a symbiosis of minds to learn, collaborate and share how best to keep science at the heart of our natural world stories." The event aims to:

Highlight the importance of nurturing relationships between those with knowledge, and those that want to share it.
Platform successful case studies of scientists and filmmakers coming together to communicate science effectively and creatively.

Wildscreen’s Science in Storytelling Online Event

Summary:

"Science in Storytelling is back, and this time we’ll be completely online! We’re bringing the 2026 edition of Science in Storytelling to you in the comfort of your own home, or wherever you happen to be; on shoot or out on location in some remote corner of the world. This event brings scientists and filmmakers together in a symbiosis of minds to learn, collaborate and share how best to keep science at the heart of our natural world stories." The event aims to:

Highlight the importance of nurturing relationships between those with knowledge, and those that want to share it.
Platform successful case studies of scientists and filmmakers coming together to communicate science effectively and creatively.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

Wildscreen Panda Awards

"The Wildscreen Panda Awards honour the very best in natural world storytelling craft globally. The world-renowned Panda Awards have been the heart of the Wildscreen Festival since they were presented at the first Festival back in 1982. They celebrate the very best in the natural world storytelling craft and remain the highest honour in the international wildlife film and TV industry." The 2026 festival takes place Oct. 19-22 in the UK. Deadlines: February 24 (earlybird); April 16 (regular); May 13 (late).

Awards

World Press Photo Contest

"The annual World Press Photo Contest recognizes and celebrates the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year. Entering is free and prizes include up to €10,000, inclusion in our annual traveling exhibition, and more. Entries for the 2026 World Press Photo Contest will open on 1 December 2025 and close on 17 January 2026."

Fellowships & Grants

New America’s Fellows Program

"New America invests in thinkers — journalists, scholars, filmmakers and public policy analysts — who generate big, bold ideas that have an impact and spark new conversations about the most pressing issues of our day. Fellowships begin in September and run through May annually. $15,000-$30,000 stipend provided and you may stay in your current job, coming together for two cohort gatherings during the fellowship year, each lasting two-three days and held in Washington, DC." Deadline: Feb. 2, 2026.

New America’s Fellows Program

Summary:

"New America invests in thinkers — journalists, scholars, filmmakers and public policy analysts — who generate big, bold ideas that have an impact and spark new conversations about the most pressing issues of our day. Fellowships begin in September and run through May annually. $15,000-$30,000 stipend provided and you may stay in your current job, coming together for two cohort gatherings during the fellowship year, each lasting two-three days and held in Washington, DC." Deadline: Feb. 2, 2026.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Events

GeoCinema at EGU26

European Geosciences Union

"After last years' success, GeoCinema is back for EGU26 [May 3-8]! If you’ve shadowed a scientist in the lab, filmed fantastic spectacles in the field, or have produced an educational feature on the Earth, planetary or space sciences, we want to hear from you! GeoCinema features short clips and longer films related to the geosciences, and from animations to interviews, all films are welcome. If you would like to contribute to this popular event, please fill out the submission form by 5 December 2025." Films will be shown both in person and livestreamed to the virtual audience.

GeoCinema at EGU26

Summary:

"After last years' success, GeoCinema is back for EGU26 [May 3-8]! If you’ve shadowed a scientist in the lab, filmed fantastic spectacles in the field, or have produced an educational feature on the Earth, planetary or space sciences, we want to hear from you! GeoCinema features short clips and longer films related to the geosciences, and from animations to interviews, all films are welcome. If you would like to contribute to this popular event, please fill out the submission form by 5 December 2025." Films will be shown both in person and livestreamed to the virtual audience.

Organization:

European Geosciences Union

Category:

For:

VISIT

Events

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF)

"Since 1993, DCEFF has been the premier showcase of environmental films. Each March, we bring the world’s largest green film festival to museums, embassies, universities, and other cultural institutions across Washington, DC. In addition to the many thousands of audience members we serve with our in-person programming, DCEFF offers year-round virtual screenings to passionate and environmentally-conscious viewers across the United States and the world." The 2026 event runs March 19-28, with the theme "Against the Current." Films in any genre can be submitted for consideration by Dec. 1. Cash prizes available.

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF)

Summary:

"Since 1993, DCEFF has been the premier showcase of environmental films. Each March, we bring the world’s largest green film festival to museums, embassies, universities, and other cultural institutions across Washington, DC. In addition to the many thousands of audience members we serve with our in-person programming, DCEFF offers year-round virtual screenings to passionate and environmentally-conscious viewers across the United States and the world." The 2026 event runs March 19-28, with the theme "Against the Current." Films in any genre can be submitted for consideration by Dec. 1. Cash prizes available.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Fellowships & Grants

National Press Photographers Foundation Scholarships, Grants and Awards

The National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF) offers financial assistance, mentorship opportunities and professional development resources via fellowships, grants, student scholarships and TV awards with varying deadlines. Most are open to nonmembers.

Find a resource

Library

Roy W. Dean Grant for Filmmakers

Visualizing Climate Litigation

50X50: Science Across America

Arab Documentary Film Program

National Wildlife Photo Contest

Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters

Nick Oza Visual Fellowship

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

NPPA Best of Photojournalism

Wildscreen Official Selection

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

Wildscreen’s Science in Storytelling Online Event

Wildscreen Panda Awards

World Press Photo Contest

New America’s Fellows Program

GeoCinema at EGU26

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF)

National Press Photographers Foundation Scholarships, Grants and Awards