Exeter Cathedral has officially launched its 2026 Photography Competition, inviting photographers of all skill levels to capture the interior beauty of Exeter Cathedral – one of Devon’s most iconic historic landmarks. Throughout the month of August, amateur and professional photographers alike can submit up to two photographs exploring this year’s central theme: ‘Light.’
To celebrate local talent, each category winner will receive a prize package worth over £200, including gift cards for local shopping and London Camera Exchange, alongside a three-course champagne dinner at Hotel Indigo’s Dottie’s Restaurant.
The competition celebrates the interplay of natural light and historic architecture across three distinct categories:
Colour Photography (Ages 18+)
Black & White Photography (Ages 18+)
Junior Category (Ages 11-18, Colour or Black & White Photography)
Capturing the interior splendour
To be eligible, all submitted photographs must be taken inside Exeter Cathedral during the submission window of 1-31 August 2026. Photographers are encouraged to explore publicly accessible areas – including the Nave, Chapels, Cloister Gallery, Cathedral Café and Shop – or capture unique angles while attending official guided tours such as the Roof Tour, Onwards & Upwards Tour or Stones & Bones Tour.
“Light is not only a fundamental element of photography, but it also carries deep spiritual and seasonal significance for the Cathedral,” says Jacob Hilton, Marketing Manager at Exeter Cathedral. “We are excited to see how photographers of all ages interpret the way mid-summer light illuminates our centuries-old sanctuary.”
Judging & prize details
A panel of judges will review the entries in September:
Emma Solley, acclaimed Devon-based professional photographer
The Very Revd Stephen Waine, Interim Dean of Exeter Cathedral
Jacob Hilton, Marketing Manager of Exeter Cathedral
Nine entrants (three winners and six runners-up) will have their work showcased in a special Exeter Cathedral Photography Exhibition in Autumn 2026, as well as featured across the Cathedral’s digital channels.
Each category winner will receive over £200 in prizes, comprising:
A £50 Exeter Independent Gift Card
A £50 gift card for London Camera Exchange (Exeter store)
A three-course dinner for two with champagne (mocktail for the Junior winner) at Dottie’s Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Exeter
How to enter
Submissions are open online from 1 August until 31 August 2026. Entrants may submit up to two photos. Standard Cathedral visitor admission fees or a valid Welcome Card apply when taking photos inside the Cathedral, directly supporting the ongoing conservation and care of the building.
For full rules, terms and conditions, and to submit entries, visit the official Exeter Cathedral Photography Competition 2026 page: https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/photography-competition-2026/