Are you an Art student in the Midlands with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for photography? 📱 It’s time to put your smartphone to work! We are thrilled to announce the Midlands PicTours Phone Photo Competition 2026—a regional contest designed specifically for secondary school art students across the heart of England.
Show off your creative flair and compete for a £100 cash prize while gaining recognition for your artistic vision. Want to see the standard of talent from previous years? You can check out last year’s winners on our blog here.
🌍 Theme: “The Midlands Through Your Lens”
This year’s theme challenges you to look at your local surroundings with fresh eyes. Whether it’s the industrial heritage of Birmingham’s canals, the historic charm of a Shropshire village, or the vibrant urban energy of a Leicester city street, we want to see what makes the Midlands unique to you.
âś… Competition Guidelines
- Mobile Only: Entries must be taken on a smartphone (no professional DSLRs).
- Single Entry: One photo per student – make it your best shot!
- Post-Production: You are encouraged to edit, crop, or apply filters to achieve your desired aesthetic.
- Artistic Vision: We are looking for composition, lighting, and a unique perspective.
🏆 What Can You Win?
- ÂŁ100 cash prize for the overall winner.
- Feature spot on the PicTours website and our social media channels.
- Regional Recognition across local schools and youth art networks.
🎯 Why Participate?
For students in Art & Design classes, this is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Refine Digital Skills: Master the fundamentals of photography using the technology in your pocket.
- Build a Portfolio: Secure a regional accolade to boost your GCSE, A-Level, or college applications.
- Showcase Your Voice: Share your personal connection to the landscapes and culture of the Midlands.
At PicTours, we specialize in photography walking tours tailored for art classes—including our popular tours in Birmingham. We believe that some of the best art is created when you step outside the classroom and engage with the world around you.
đź“ť Entry Process
The competition is open to anyone in the English Midlands aged between 12 and 18.
- For Students: To get your entry form, please email info@pictours.ie.
- For Teachers: Art Department Heads or teachers can request the official entry pack by emailing: info@pictours.ie.
- Submissions: Once the teacher has the materials, students can submit their work through their teacher or upload it to an online form provided by their teacher.
đź“… Competition Opens: 5 January 2026
đź“… Deadline: Saturday, 31 May 2026
✨ A Note for Educators
This contest is a brilliant way to encourage extracurricular engagement and provide a practical application for photography units within the Art & Design curriculum. Whether your students are studying urban decay, natural landscapes, or street photography, this competition provides a real-world platform for their work.
For daily inspiration and photography tips, follow PicTours on Instagram. We can’t wait to see how the Midlands’ next generation of artists sees their world—one frame at a time.
