“Wildebeest” by Singaporean photographer William Chua, winner of The Pano Awards Southeast Asia Open Photographer of the Year 2025, captures the raw intensity of Kenya’s great migration in breathtaking panoramic detail, showcasing nature’s movement and scale in a powerful visual story.
Epson has officially opened submissions for the 17th Epson International Pano Awards 2026, the world’s largest competition dedicated to panoramic photography, continuing its long-standing partnership with The Pano Awards.
The competition invites both professional and amateur photographers worldwide to submit panoramic images, with early-bird entries open until June 22, 2026, and final submissions due by July 13, 2026. Entries must meet a minimum 2:1 aspect ratio in either landscape or portrait format.
“Silk of the Sea” by Cao Thi Ngoc Diem, finalist of The Pano Awards Southeast Asia Open Photographer of the Year 2025, beautifully captures the traditional silk washing process in Phu Yen, Vietnam, blending culture, craftsmanship, and coastal life in a striking panoramic frame.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the introduction of a new Aerial category in both Open and Amateur divisions, reflecting the growing role of drone and aerial imaging in modern visual storytelling. The contest also continues established categories including Nature and Landscape, Built Environment and Architecture, and VR/360 photography.
This year’s prize pool exceeds US$50,000, including US$15,000 in cash awards, with the overall Open winner receiving more than US$11,000 in combined cash and products.
Since launching in 2010, the Epson International Pano Awards has grown into a global platform for panoramic photography, receiving over 3,000 entries from 95 countries in 2025 alone. Participation from Southeast Asia continues to rise, highlighting the region’s expanding creative influence in visual arts.
According to competition curator David Evans, the addition of the Aerial category and early-bird incentives aims to further encourage global participation and innovation in panoramic imaging.
Epson Southeast Asia Regional Director Hattori Tai emphasized that panoramic photography serves as a powerful medium for documenting the rapid evolution of cities, coastlines, and cultures, while providing regional photographers a global stage to showcase their work.
The 2026 judging panel includes internationally recognized photographers and industry experts such as Bill Bailey, Dan Zafra, Daniel Kordan, and Jennifer Renwick.
Submissions are now open via the official competition website.
