Capture the Dark
A feature in Nightscape, DarkSky’s award-winning magazine
- Deadline: 30 June 2025
- Entry fee: Free
- Website: https://capturethedark.darksky.org/contest2025
Photography has the power to transform—and in the dark sky movement, it’s a force for change. A single image of a star-filled sky or a field aglow with fireflies can transport viewers to a world they’ve never seen—revealing the magic of the night. For many, these photographs offer a first glimpse into what the night holds and what is at risk of being lost to light pollution. Now in its fifth year, Capture the Dark has proven to be more than just a photo contest—it’s a celebration of the night and a powerful call to action to protect it.
Open to participants worldwide and free to enter, DarkSky International invites both professional and amateur photographers to share their unique perspectives of the night. Learn more, submit your work, spread the word, and cast your vote!
Prizes:
Category and location award winners will receive a variety of honors, including prominent recognition across DarkSky’s communication channels and a curated selection of prizes generously provided by this year’s contest sponsors.
Featured in Nightscape magazine
All category and location winners will be prominently featured in the September issue of Nightscape, DarkSky’s award-winning quarterly magazine. With an international print circulation of 5,000 and an email distribution of 40,000, the feature receives strong attention within the growing dark sky community.
An expanded blog post will accompany the magazine feature, showcasing all winning and runner-up selections along with photographer bios, personal website links, and social media profiles.
Announced in Global Press Release
The awards announcement will be distributed via a press release through EIN Presswire, expanding its global visibility and media reach.
In previous years, the Capture the Dark contest has been featured in renowned publications such as Sky & Telescope and Forbes—which has highlighted the contest for three consecutive years.
Category Winners
Winners in each contest category will receive an exclusive prize package, including:
A feature in Nightscape, DarkSky’s award-winning magazine
Recognition in a DarkSky blog post and across social media
A global press release announcing your win
Official DarkSky swag
Exciting prizes from our partners at PhotoPills, Lensbaby, and Peak Design
A complimentary DarkSky membership
Eligibility:
Anyone!
Copyrights & Usage Rights:
Photographers retain full ownership. By entering, you grant DarkSky International a non-exclusive license to use the image in promotional and educational materials with proper credit.