The Signature Image Search 2026 is an international photography competition hosted by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. This annual contest invites photographers from around the world to submit compelling mountain-themed images that encapsulate the spirit of adventure, nature, and outdoor exploration. The selected image will serve as the official visual representation of the 2026 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, as well as the 2026-2027 World Tour, ensuring wide-ranging exposure across global audiences. Through this initiative, the Banff Centre seeks to highlight the powerful intersection of photography and storytelling, celebrating breathtaking landscapes, extreme outdoor activities, and cultural connections with mountainous regions.

The winning image will be prominently featured in various high-profile marketing materials, including festival posters, banners, brochures, websites, programs, and the Festival/World Tour magazine. This provides an unparalleled opportunity for professional photographers to showcase their work on an international stage, reaching millions of viewers across multiple platforms. The competition values artistic excellence, originality, and the ability to convey emotion through imagery, aiming to find a photograph that resonates deeply with the adventure community and festival audiences alike. Judges will evaluate submissions based on composition, technical execution, and the overall impact of the image, ensuring that the chosen visual aligns with the festival’s ethos of exploration, resilience, and natural beauty.

Beyond the competition itself, the Signature Image Search plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of the Banff Centre’s world-renowned events, which attract adventurers, filmmakers, writers, and environmentalists from every corner of the globe. By participating in this prestigious photography contest, artists not only gain global recognition but also contribute to a tradition that celebrates the majesty of mountains and the spirit of outdoor adventure. As one of the most anticipated photography contests in the adventure and travel photography community, this competition offers a career-defining opportunity for photographers looking to make a lasting impact in the industry.

Prize
The winner will receive a payment of $3,000 CAD. In addition to the monetary prize, the selected photographer’s work will gain extensive exposure, being prominently featured on the Banff Centre’s website alongside the winner’s biography. The photographer will also have the opportunity to attend screenings and events at the Festival.

^{Image: Nicky Lynch}