Exeter Cathedral Photography Competition 2026

Official Photography Store Partner: London Camera Exchange (Exeter Store)

Sponsored by: Exeter College, The Guildhall Shopping Centre, InExeter, Princesshay Exeter, John Lewis

Does taking photos bring you joy? Do you have an eye for detail?

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 Categories

This year’s competition will be judged on the three following categories. 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).

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.

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)

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 one £50 Exeter Independent Gift Card and one £50 gift card to use in London Camera Exchange (Exeter store only).

Meet The Judges

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]