2026 NCOA National Photography Awards

About the Open Call

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) invites photographers to showcase adults aged 60+ thriving through family, friendship, and community. Celebrate empowered individuals, supportive families, and the vibrant connections that bring joy, purpose, and vitality—demonstrating that aging well means staying active, engaged, and connected. The theme for this year is 'Stronger Together: Family. Community. Connection.' Selected works will be displayed on the virtual ncoaGallery.org website, and 20 award-winning photographs will be printed on high-quality canvas for an onsite exhibition at the NCOA 2026 Age+Action Conference in Arlington, VA, as well as multiple galleries in the Washington, D.C. area.

What is Offered

Awards include First Place ($1,000), Second Place ($600), Public Vote ($500), Eight Merit Awards ($300 each), and Ten Honorable Awards ($150 each). Selected works receive exposure through the virtual ncoaGallery, the 2026 Age+Action Conference, and multiple art galleries in the D.C. metro area. No commission is taken on sales.

Requirements

Open to U.S.-based professional and amateur photographers ages 18 and above. Photos must feature an older adult (60+) living in the United States as the primary subject. Submissions must align with the theme 'Stronger Together: Family. Community. Connection.'

How to Apply

Photographers must apply through the SubmitArts registration link at https://service.submitarts.com/register/E/321?lang=en.