The global stage for photography at night

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!

Event sponsors

Thank you to our proud sponsors for supporting Capture the Dark and the growing movement to protect the night.

Contest Categories

Capture the dark photo contest rules

Before submitting your work, take a moment to review the contest rules. These rules are rooted in DarkSky’s Principles for Responsible Astrophotography — a comprehensive set of guidelines we encourage all astrophotographers to follow. Our goal is to ensure that those capturing the beauty of the night are also helping to protect the nighttime environment and the experience for others.

Whether you’re photographing starlit landscapes, nocturnal wildlife, or people under the glow of the Milky Way, we advocate for a sensitive and responsible approach. Photography has long been a powerful force in advancing environmental movements, and now, we invite you to be an advocate for the night.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO PROTECT THE NIGHT

Every image shared through Capture the Dark is more than just a beautiful photograph—it’s a call to action to preserve and protect the wonder and importance of the night. While light pollution continues to grow at an alarming rate, so does our community of supporters and advocates who believe in a different future—one where stars continue to shine bright.

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Contest Judges

PARTNER WITH US

Partnering with DarkSky International aligns your brand with a global movement to protect the night. Our impact grows stronger through collaboration—together, we can make a lasting difference. Join us as an official partner in the dark sky movement.