Contest categories and judges

Capture the Dark features eight categories that highlight different aspects of the nighttime environment, the night sky, and examples of quality outdoor lighting. Explore the categories below and review the examples to better understand the parameters of each. Participants are invited to submit up to three images per category.

 

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Quality lighting and design

This category highlights light fixtures and architectural designs that protect the night by following the Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night. To be approved, photographs must show lighting that applies these principles in practice—meaning it is fully shielded, carefully targeted, low-level, and uses a warm color temperature.

Photo credit: Ruoyu Li

 

James Brigagliano

 

 

 

Gavriil Papadiotis

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Nightscapes

Night reveals beauty, mystery, and adventure in ways daylight cannot. These photos capture the magic of darkness, from glowing auroras to expansive starlit skies above scenic locations and urban cityscapes. 

Photo credit: Jonathan Sau

 

Osvaldo Castillo Montes

 

Anthony Lopez

 

Stefan Lieberman

 

Philipp Merki

 

Derek Culver

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Creatures of the night—flora and fauna

The night is alive with flora and fauna that thrive under the canopy of darkness. Creatures of the Night celebrates the rich biodiversity of nocturnal life—from glowing fireflies to flowers that bloom by moonlight—showcasing the importance of protecting nocturnal habitats around the world.

Photo credit: Nicholas A Rouke

 

 Avilash Ghosh

 

Anthony Sleiman

 

Karabo Matlala

 

Ali Matinfar

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Deep sky observations

Distant nebulae, glowing planets, and swirling galaxies illustrate the vastness of the universe and the ongoing mission of scientific discovery. The Deep Sky Observation category is for those who use long focal lengths to capture deep sky objects and the wonders of space and time.

Photo credit: Alpha Zhang

 

Abderraouf Chettibi

 

Jakob Sahner

 

Ian Lauer

 

Rami Ammoun

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The impact of light pollution

Light pollution dims our connection to the night and disrupts the world around us. The Impact of Light Pollution category illustrates how artificial light negatively impacts nocturnal habitats, neighborhoods, communities, and our ability to see the stars.

Photo credit: Ambre de l'AIPe

 

Rositsa Dimitrova

 

Vicky Thompson

 

Melanie Jean

 

Flora Xue

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International Dark Sky Places

Have you explored an official International Dark Sky Place? With over 266 certified locations around the world, we invite photographers to visit these dark sky sanctuaries and submit their best images. This category features photos taken in places committed to protecting the night.

(Only photographs taken in one of our certified International Dark Sky Places are eligible. Check out our map and find a Dark Sky Place near you.)

Photo credit: Katrina Brown

 

Derrick Kosea

 

Mallory Davis

 

Stephanie Vermillion

 

Jack Fusco

 

JJ Rao

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Mobile nighttime photography

You do not need professional equipment to capture a stunning view of the night sky or the nocturnal environment that surrounds you. This category celebrates images taken with mobile devices (cell phones and GoPros), proving that some of the best moments happen when we are simply paying attention.

(Only images captured with a cell phone or GoPro are permitted in the category. Images taken with a DSLR or mirrorless cameras are prohibited in this category.)

Photo credit: Zhengjie Wu

 

Lorenzo Mirandola

 

Abuko Estrada

 

Zandi Ndhlovu

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Young astrophotographers

Are you an up-and-coming astrophotographer or nighttime explorer? Our Youth Astrophotography category welcomes photographers 17 or younger to enter a special category—it’s a great opportunity to showcase your work, learn about the importance of dark skies, and grow your skills as the next great photographer.

Photo credit: Haohan Sun

 

Samer Hobeika

 

Michael Goh

 

Toby Sinkinson

 

Prathmesh Jaju

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People's choice award

While not a technical category, a People’s Choice Award will be presented tothe submission in the contest that receives the highest number of public votes. This special recognition celebrates the images that resonate most with viewers around the world. Public voting opens June 1st, 2026.

Photo credit: Max Inwood