Capture the Dark 2026

Capture the Dark, DarkSky’s premier night photography contest, returns for its fifth year, inviting photographers from around the world to share the wonder of the night. More than a showcase of remarkable images, Capture the Dark is a call to action. As light pollution continues to grow, Capture the Dark reminds us of what we stand to lose if the night continues to fade away.

With nine stellar categories and photographers of all experience levels welcome, we invite you to submit your work and join the global movement to protect the night.

Enter contest

To submit photos, please create an account and review the contest terms and conditions.

Submission period: May 1 – June 30

Awards announced: Mid-August

Enter now

Categories

This year's contest features nine categories, including several new ones such as Nighttime Adventure Photography. Other categories include nightscapes, nocturnal flora and fauna, International Dark Sky Places, good and bad lighting examples, deep space imagery, and more.

Explore the contest categories, view past winners, and get inspired. Submit your work today.

View categories

 Photo: Cosmic Complexity by JJ Rao

Contest rules

Capture the Dark’s commitment to the Principles of Responsible Astrophotography sets this contest apart, celebrating the beauty of the night while actively promoting practices that help protect it. A comprehensive set of terms and conditions also helps support a fair and inclusive competition.

Our panel of moderators will first review submissions to ensure they meet our responsible practices and contest requirements. From there, an expert panel of judges will evaluate the photographs, selecting winners based on the category prompts and artistic merit.

Rules, terms, and conditions

Prizes and awards

Category and overall winners will receive global promotion through a press release picked up by major news outlets, along with features in Nightscape magazine and across DarkSky’s social channels.

Select categories will also receive additional prizes, including a two-night stay at an Under Canvas resort, Sky View tents, photography equipment, and more.

View prizes and awards

Learn more: Protect the night

Learn more about DarkSky by signing up for our monthly newsletter to receive inspiring stories and updates on dark sky events.

You can also support our work by making a donation, becoming an advocate, or becoming a member, which includes access to Nightscape, DarkSky’s quarterly magazine.

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 Photo: A Portrait with the Magellanic Clouds by Zhengjie Wu