Wex Human Impact Awards 2026: UK-Only Photography Competition, £5,000 Top Prize, Free Entry
Wex Photo Video, supported by Sony, invites entries to its 2026 Human Impact Awards from photographers living in the United Kingdom who are aged at least 18. The competition is free and closes at 11:59 p.m. on 31 January 2027. Entrants must submit a coherent series of five to ten JPEG images exploring how people affect the world and respond to social, cultural, environmental or personal change. Although its online page is globally accessible, its explicit UK-residency restriction is essential for international readers.
The brief: a connected human story, not isolated portraits
The awards welcome narratives on community, identity, climate, urban places, protests, culture, care, resilience or everyday social interaction. Each image needs to strengthen the sequence, and applicants supply a short project statement explaining its viewpoint. Any camera or smartphone can be used, but stock photographs, AI-generated images and images created by other people are prohibited. The organiser may request original files or metadata to check authenticity.
Professional and student awards
The main professional cash awards are £5,000 for first place, £3,000 for second and £1,000 for third. The separate Phil Smith Student Award provides Sony camera-and-lens equipment rather than guaranteed cash: its published list includes Sony Alpha cameras and interchangeable lenses. Student applicants must supply their school or university course information and appropriate email addresses. Payment, purchase of Sony equipment or Wex membership is not required for the application.
Organiser, copyright and important entry restriction
Wex Photo Video is an established UK photographic retailer, and Sony supports this competition. Its official website provides prior winners, the complete briefing and an online entry portal. Photographers retain copyright but grant Wex a non-exclusive permission for use of the images in competition promotion. The terms say entrants must reside in the UK, not merely have a UK family member or be planning a short visit. Anyone based overseas should check eligibility before giving personal information or preparing an entry.
Official competition and entry form
As of 23 October 2026. Always check the official organizer's current eligibility, media format, fees, deadline and image-rights terms.