Submission window: 1 - 31 August 2026
Official Photography Store Partner: London Camera Exchange (Exeter Store)
Sponsored by: Exeter College, The Guildhall Shopping Centre, Hotel Indigo Exeter, InExeter, Princesshay Exeter, John Lewis
Does taking photos bring you joy? Do you have an eye for detail? Why not enter for the chance to win over £200 worth of prizes…
Whether you’re just starting out or you consider yourself a seasoned professional, you are warmly invited to take part in our 2026 Exeter Cathedral Photography Competition to be in for the chance of winning a collection of special prizes. Ready to find out more? Make sure to carefully read the following information before you submit your photographs (submission form links can be found at the bottom of this page).
Overview
- Submission window: 1-31 August 2026
- Judging period & winners notified: September
- Photography Exhibition: October
- Photographs must be taken of Exeter Cathedral’s interior (exterior photos will not be accepted) between 1 and 31 August 2026
The Theme: Light
This year’s theme is ‘light’, for three reasons:
- Spiritual significance: In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We’re passionate about celebrating our Cathedral’s heritage and reason for its existence.
- Seasonal significance: We love the bright and airy aesthetic of mid-summer, which illuminates the Cathedral in beautiful, multi-coloured hues.
- Photographic significance: Light is, of course, a fundamental element of photography itself, and how we each choose to capture fragments of light is a creative journey of discovery that we want to encourage more people to embark on.
The Location: Exeter Cathedral (Interior)
Where you can photograph:
- Submitted photos must be taken from inside Exeter Cathedral and must be clearly of its interior. Photographers are encouraged to step inside and explore the magnificent details of our centuries old Cathedral.
- Photos may be taken in any publicly accessible area of the Cathedral, including the Nave, Cloister Gallery, Cathedral Café, and Shop.
- You are also welcome to submit photos taken during an official guided tour (such as our Roof Tour, Onwards & Upwards Tour, or Stones & Bones Tour). Please note that access to these restricted areas is strictly permitted only while participating in a tour accompanied by an official Cathedral Guide.
The Categories
This year’s competition will be judged on the three following categories.
- Colour photography (open to ages 18+)
- Black & White photography (open to ages 18+)
- Junior Category: 11-18 Years Old (submitted photos can be in colour or black & white)
You may submit a maximum of two photographs. Every photo must be taken from inside Exeter Cathedral (photos of Exeter Cathedral’s exterior will not be accepted). The competition is limited to a maximum of two photo submissions per entrant (e.g. one colour photo and one black & white photo, or two colour photos or two black & white photos).
Note on staff & volunteer eligibility: Current employees and official volunteers of Exeter Cathedral are not eligible to enter. Immediate family members of staff and volunteers may enter, provided all entries were taken during standard public opening hours without special access.
Note on admission: Please note that taking photos for the competition requires payment of the standard Cathedral visitor entry fee, or presentation of a valid Welcome Card. Entry fees directly support the conservation and upkeep of Exeter Cathedral. We are incredibly grateful for your support.
The Prizes
There will be three winners (one winner per category) and six runners-up (two runners-up per category). All nine winners and runners-up will have their winning photographs featured and credited on Exeter Cathedral’s digital channels, and in an exhibition.
Winners’ prizes: The three winners will each be awarded:
£50 Exeter Independent Gift Card
£50 gift card to use in London Camera Exchange (Exeter store only)
- 3-course dinner for two with a glass of champagne (mocktail for the Junior Category winner) to celebrate in Hotel Indigo’s Dottie’s Restaurant
Meet The Judges
Emma Solley
An acclaimed Devon-based photographer with over 20 years of professional experience, Emma brings an expert eye for composition, mood and the delicate play of natural light.
The Very Revd Stephen Waine
As Interim Dean of Exeter Cathedral, Stephen offers a deep reverence for the Cathedral’s spiritual heritage, looking for imagery that evokes wonder, reflection and sacred space.
Jacob Hilton
As Marketing Manager of Exeter Cathedral, Jacob leads the Cathedral’s visual story and is keen to bring a perspective on narrative impact, framing and how light communicates emotion across modern media.
Terms & Conditions
Please click here to read the competition’s Terms & Conditions – these are important to understand before taking and submitting your photograph(s). For any questions, please email us via [email protected]
Submit Your Photographs
Thank you for taking the time to visit Exeter Cathedral, for capturing the beauty of its interior and for submitting your chosen photograph(s). You may submit up to two photographs within the available categories. Any photographs taken by someone under 18 years old must be submitted by the parent or legal guardian. For any questions, please email us via [email protected]