Astrophotographer Evan McKay’s intricate mosaic captured from New Zealand’s Cathedral Cove led to his Photographer of the Year win at the 2026 Astrophotography Prize. McKay executed a 24-panel mosaic timed perfectly before the moonrise, earning him the prestigious Photographer of the Year award. His image is celebrated for its exceptional detail, composition, and atmospheric depth.
Astrophotography Prize 2026 Highlights
The Astrophotography Prize, celebrating its fourth year, showcases the impressive feats of amateur and professional astrophotographers globally. With nearly 500 entries from 22 countries, judges evaluated images across categories like Aurora, Deep Space, Astro Landscape, and Remote Imaging.
The competition offers a public, live judging experience, providing participants with constructive feedback that highlights their technical and artistic strengths. Entrants also receive written critiques to aid in their future development.
See the complete collection of winners and discover more about the Astrophotography Prize on the competition’s website. You can revisit the live judging rounds through the YouTube channel dedicated to the event.
Award-Winning Works and Artists
Photographer of the Year
Photographer: Evan McKay
Awards: 2026 Photographer of the Year, Astro Landscape Category Winner
Entrant statement: Captured from Cathedral Cove, this mosaic showcases the celestial splendor shortly before moonrise.
Stats: 15 hours total integration time | Nikon Z6a, Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM, Optolong L-Para
Astro Landscape Category Top 5 Finalist
Photographer: Evan McKay
Award: Astro Landscape Category Top 5 Finalist
Entrant statement: Comet C/2025 R3 PANSTARRS and Orion above Mount Taranaki.
Stats: 1.5 hours total integration time | Nikon Z6a, Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM IF ART
Photographer: Matteo Strassera
Award: Astro Landscape Category Top 5 Finalist
Entrant statement: Milky Way panorama in the Rub’ al-Khali desert.
Stats: 42 minutes total integration time | Canon R5, Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
Gateway Award
Photographer: Brian Puhl
Award: Gateway Award, Deep Space Category Finalist
Entrant statement: LDN 1251, the Rotten Fish Nebula captured from North Carolina.
Stats: 19 hours 20 minutes total integration time | Esprit 150, QHY-268M, Antlia LRGB
Deep Space Category Winner
Photographer: Marzena Rogozińska
Award: Deep Space Category Winner
Entrant statement: Chameleon Dark Clouds, revealing interstellar streams of dust, photographed in Namibia.
Stats: 15 hours total integration time | ZWO Asi 2600MC Pro, Takahashi Epsilon 130d
Deep Space Category Top 5 Finalist
Photographer: Dan Bartlett
Award: Deep Space Category Top 5 Finalist
Entrant statement: Comet 13P/Olbers documented over 15 days, showing blue ion tail variability.
Stats: 7 hours 54 minutes 30 seconds total integration time | asi6200mcPro, RASA11
Aurora Category Winner
Photographer: Jason Perry
Award: Aurora Category Winner
Entrant statement: Aurora Borealis over Å, Norway with remarkable detail for a single-exposure.
Stats: 6 seconds exposure time | Nikon Z7 II, Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S
Aurora Category Top 5
Photographer: Kavan Chay
Award: Aurora Category Top 5
Entrant statement: Extensive Aurora Australis panorama from Waipapa Point, New Zealand.
Stats: 0.016 hours total integration time | Nikon Z7a, Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S
Remote Imaging Category Winner
Photographer: Alpha Zhang
Award: Remote Imaging Category Winner
Entrant statement: Galileo’s Finger depicted through a faint Hα veil with striking detail.
Stats: 14 hours total integration time | ToupTek SkyEye 62AM
Remote Imaging Category Top 5 Finalist
Photographer: Kevin Morefield
Award: Remote Imaging Category Top 5 Finalist
Entrant statement: Perspective from the distant LMC, capturing massive stars and central cavity.
Stats: 45 hours 25 minutes total integration time | QHY600M, Planewave DR350
Source: dpreview.com
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Photographer of the Year award?
Evan McKay won the 2026 Photographer of the Year award at the Astrophotography Prize.
Where was Evan McKay’s award-winning photo taken?
Evan McKay’s award-winning photo was captured from New Zealand’s Cathedral Cove.
How many countries participated in the 2026 Astrophotography Prize?
Nearly 500 entries from 22 countries participated in the 2026 Astrophotography Prize.
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