2026 Photography Contest
Showcase the beauty, science, and adventure of geology through your lens for a chance to be featured in Explorer Magazine, GeoLifestyle, AAPG social media, and more.
Submission Inspiration
Featured Gallery
Desert Vista
Drill Rig at Dusk
Silfra Fissure
Rare Earth Excavation
Wellhead at Sunrise
Stratified Layers
Why Enter
More than
a photograph.
Explorer Magazine Recognition
Selected entries may be featured in Explorer Magazine, AAPG’s flagship industry news publication read by energy professionals worldwide.
GeoLifestyle & Social Media Features
Weekly photo selections may be highlighted in the AAPG’s GeoLifestyle newsletter and on AAPG social channels throughout the contest.
Community Recognition
Share your work with a global community of geoscientists, students, and energy professionals — and inspire their next adventure.
Contest Categories
Five ways
to enter the frame.
Landscapes and Outcrops
Capture the beauty, scale, and wonder of the Earth. Show us your favorite outcrop, summit view, scenic overlook, or anything you feel captures the beauty of the Earth and its geological wonders.
Energy in Action
This category highlights the science, exploration, and infrastructure that drive the energy sector—from pumpjacks and drilling rigs to geothermal plants or geoscientists in the field.
Aerial and Drone Perspectives
Sometimes the geological wonders of the world are better seen from above. This category highlights aerial perspectives that showcase landscapes, outcrops, or geological features.
Student Adventures
Celebrate the next generation of geoscientists. From field camps and university expeditions to research projects and student chapter events, this category showcases the passion and discovery of students in action.
Abstract Geology
Explore the artistic side of geoscience. This category welcomes creative compositions, close-up textures, patterns, and abstract interpretations that reveal the unexpected beauty hidden in rocks, minerals, and landforms.
Contest Timeline
From submission
to feature.
Featured in GeoLifestyle
Selected submissions featured in AAPG’s GeoLifestyle newsletter and on AAPG social media.
Final Submission Deadline
Last chance to enter your work for the 2026 Geology in Focus contest.
Finalists Announced
Editorial review concludes and finalists are announced to the AAPG community.
Explorer Magazine Feature
Grand prize winner featured in the September issue of AAPG’s flagship Explorer Magazine.
Who can enter?
- 01 Current AAPG Member
- 02 Original Photography Only
- 03 Photographer Retains Ownership
- 04 AAPG Receives Non-Exclusive Promotional Usage Rights
New / Limited Edition — Personalized Digital Keepsake
Be a Cover Star!
Turn your favorite geological photograph into a personalized Explorer Magazine cover.
Ever wondered what your photo would look like on the cover of Explorer? Upload your favorite geology image and receive a custom digital cover featuring your photo. Frame your favorite landscape, field camp memory, or career-making moment!
Perfect For
- Graduation
- Retirement
- Student achievements
- Field camp memories
- Career milestones
- Awards and recognition
- Conference presentations
- Unique gifts for colleagues
What’s Included
- Personalized Explorer-style cover design
- Your photo featured as the cover image
- High-resolution digital file
- Ready to print, frame, or share online
