Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2025

Photography Magazine Extra is excited to announce our First Annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition! The season for photographing incredible images of the Milky Way ends in October, and we hope you will participate to help make this event a great success. If you know someone passionate about Milky Way photography, please share this information with them. The contest winners will be announced shortly after the Milky Way Photography Season ends for the year.

The night sky reveals its cosmic treasure to those who dare venture into darkness with tripods and patience. Our annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition showcases astronomically-minded image makers who translate celestial phenomena into two-dimensional marvels. This specialized contest celebrates those who meticulously plan their expeditions around moon phases, weather patterns, and galactic positioning to document our galaxy’s luminous arc as it sweeps across terrestrial foregrounds. Contestants must demonstrate mastery of long-exposure techniques while navigating the delicate balance between ISO sensitivity and noise reduction. The competition welcomes both single exposures and carefully stacked compositions that reveal the intricate nebulae and star clusters often invisible to the naked eye. Our judges seek photographs that transcend mere technical proficiency, instead highlighting the profound dialogue between Earth and cosmos.