Budding amateur and professional photographers have been invited to capture the interior beauty of Exeter Cathedral this month.
Let there be light – Exeter Cathedral Launches Photography Competition
Exeter Cathedral has officially launched its 2026 Photography Competition, inviting photographers to submit up to two photographs exploring this year’s central theme: ‘Light.’
Already over 80 submissions have been received for the competition which will celebrate the interplay of natural light and the historic architecture.
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.
There are three distinct categories:
- Colour Photography (Ages 18+)
- Black & White Photography (Ages 18+)
- Junior Category (Ages 11-18, Colour or Black & White Photography)
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,” said 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.”
The judges, Emma Solley, acclaimed Devon-based professional photographer, The Very Revd Stephen Waine, Interim Dean of Exeter and Jacob Hilton, the cathedral’s Marketing Manager will review the entries in September.
Three winners and six runners-up will have their work showcased in a special Exeter Cathedral Photography Exhibition later this Autumn 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 (or 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 here.
With grateful thanks to Official Camera Store Partner: London Camera Exchange (Exeter Store) Sponsored by: Exeter College, The Guildhall Shopping Centre, Hotel Indigo Exeter, InExeter, Princesshay Exeter, John Lewis
Pictures by Exeter Cathedral’s new volunteer photographer, Kevin Edworthy
