Your World. Your Lens: Meet the winners of Zenfolio’s 2026 World Photography Day photo contest.
September 4th, 2026
To celebrate World Photography Day 2026, Zenfolio invited photographers everywhere to answer a simple prompt: show us the world the way only you see it. The response was extraordinary. Under the banner of Your World. Your Lens, our global photo contest and community showcase drew more than 1,288 entries across eight categories and 19 countries, from photographers who capture everything from chaotic yet beautiful open-water swims to the charming tranquility of snails perched on colorful mushrooms.
The images that came in were a reminder of what we love most about photography. A street festival in Kashi. A favorite calf lounging on an antique settee. A couple running through golden evening light. No two photographers framed their world the same way, and that is exactly the point.
Get inspired by the 2026 photo contest winners of Your World. Your Lens.
With the generous support of our prize partners, we are proud to spotlight this year’s winning images and the stories behind them. Read on to meet the photographers and see the moments they made their own.
Landscapes & Places: Bob Coorsen, United States
Prize sponsors: Aperturent & Bay Photo Lab
About the photo: Long exposure highlighting the Milky Way against the arched rock formations, taken in Utah.
Macro: Tonya Carr, United States
Prize sponsors: Bay Photo Lab & LensProToGo
About the photo: I waited almost two hours for these snails to stop being shy and come out of their shells to create this image.
Street & Urban: Mohd Asif Khan, India
Prize sponsors: Bay Photo Lab & Zenfolio
About the photo: Image taken at Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025.
Food, Product & Still Life: R. Scott Elgram, United States
Prize sponsors: LensProToGo & Bay Photo Lab
About the photo: A product shot taken on a reflective surface, featuring High West Vodka and a martini in an intricate, pewter-stemmed cocktail glass.
Sports, Action & Performance: Elizabeth Stofflet, United States
Prize sponsors: Miller’s Professional Imaging & Zenfolio
About the photo: Taken during the Dwight Crum Pier to Pier open water swim from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach in Southern California, the moment I captured shows chaos, grit, athleticism and the power of Mother Nature all in one. It’s a chance to appreciate the beauty of art that is constantly surrounding us.
Weddings & Celebrations: Yamil Calderon Tellitud, Mexico
Prize sponsors: Bay Photo Lab & Zenfolio
About the photo: The bride and groom share a tender moment outside, framed by the friendly Australian shepherd dogs.
Pets & Domestic Animals: Audrey Powles, United States
Prize sponsors: Bay Photo Lab & LensProToGo
About the photo: “Portrait of Verbena” features a pretty heifer calf born of my favorite cow, Velma. During spring when there is new life on the ranch, and throughout the year, I turn one of our barns into a makeshift studio and capture my subjects in unexpected ways—such as a calf named Verbena lounging languidly on an antique settee. As a fan of the old masters, I gave the work a rich, painterly light and edit.
Nature & Wildlife: Kenneth Lui, United States
Prize sponsors: LensProToGo & Zenfolio
About the photo: A long-tailed weasel standing up in the grass, looking directly at the camera.
Community Choice: Andrés Maldonado, Mexico
Prize sponsors: Bay Photo Lab
About the photo: This photograph captures a couple running together through an open field. I wanted to capture a spontaneous moment between them, using the warm evening light and movement to convey a sense of joy, freedom, and connection.
Thank you to our prize partners.
This global photography showcase and giveaway was made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners:
- Aperturent: For over 16 years, Aperturent has been trusted by thousands of creators to deliver reliable gear and dependable support, offering a wide selection of equipment, from trusted industry staples to the latest releases.
- Bay Photo Lab: Since 1976, Bay Photo has been dedicated to providing photographers with the highest-quality prints and dependable service. By evolving with the industry and listening to our customers, we continue to earn the trust of professionals who rely on us for exceptional quality, value, and personalized support.
- LensProToGo: LensProToGo makes it easy for photographers and filmmakers to access professional camera and video gear with fast nationwide shipping, an extensive rental selection, and expert support from a team of working photographers and filmmakers.
- Miller’s Professional Imaging: Miller’s Professional Imaging is the ultimate all-in-one lab partner for professional photographers by providing handmade, high-quality photo products with unrivaled turnaround times and friendly customer service.
- Zenfolio: Everything you need to build your ultimate photography business. Create stunning galleries and a modern portfolio website. Share, proof, and sell your photos online with one powerful solution.
Your website. Your way. In minutes. Build a professional site that showcases your best work, no coding required. Try it free
Want your work featured by Zenfolio?
Your world deserves a home online. Your World. Your Lens is one of the many ways we celebrate the photographers who make this community what it is. When you are ready to give your own work a professional home, Zenfolio brings everything into one place:
- Build a professional portfolio website that reflects your style
- Share and proof beautiful client galleries
- Sell prints and digital downloads online
- Be first to hear about future member spotlights and photography contests
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Looking for more inspiration?
Meet the 2025 World Photography Day contest winners.
Visit the 2026 submissions gallery.
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Contributor
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Elizabeth Glanville is the Content Marketing Manager at Zenfolio, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With over 12 years of professional photography experience, she has captured a wide array of subjects, from equestrian sport and luxury real estate to fashion editorials, commercial campaigns, family portraits, and Arabic weddings. Her photography has appeared in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Vogue Arabia, Elle, and Marie Claire. Deeply embedded in the equestrian world, Elizabeth also offers photography, creative and strategic marketing consulting to equestrian brands including some of the countries leading polo and equestrian clubs.
Elizabeth holds a Master’s degree in Graphic Communication from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK and has a deep passion for design, branding, and visual storytelling. Her expertise bridges the creative and strategic, with a strong focus on marketing and commercial communication. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time at the stables with her two daughters, horses, and an ever-growing collection of pets.
