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Celebrating the best in video game photography from creators around the world.
Open Worldwide. Judged by gaming industry professionals.
Where games become a creative medium
Photo mode allows photographers to pause, frame, and create with intention inside interactive worlds. It establishes connections between creators across genres, styles, and platforms. From quiet moments to bold scenes, each image reflects a personal point of view.
The Photo Mode Awards celebrate the artists pushing this craft forward.
From composition to storytelling, these categories celebrate the many ways players turn games into art through photo mode.
This style of photography is all about trying to capture the personality, expressions, and emotions/connections of an individual (person or fantasy) or group individuals by utilizing the background atmosphere, poses, and lighting.
Architecture photography generally means photography that focuses on buildings, structures, and urban/fantasy environments, showcasing creativity in composition and design. It can include shooting building exteriors and interiors, as well as bridges, other structures, and cityscapes.
Captures will contain a high intensity scene with dynamic moments, showcasing movement, energy, and vitality in various contexts, from sports to a fight scene.
The Close Up category focuses on capturing detailed and intimate shots of a subject. This type of photography allows for a deeper exploration of texture, and fine details.
This category focuses on the unique and visually stunning worlds crafted by independent game developers.
Nature photography is focused on elements of the outdoors. Specific subjects may include landscapes, wildlife, flora, and other elements of the environment.
Winners and Runners-up are recognised in every category, alongside the Creator of the Year award.
Meet our judging panel — a group of industry professionals from the gaming world, bringing their expertise to recognize and celebrate exceptional talent in the community.
Thanks to these amazing studios, publishers and community pages for supporting the Photo Mode Awards.
Starts June 1st, 2026
@PhotoModeAwards
