Flickr and Oboz Launch Global Outdoor Photo Contest for World Photography Day 2025

Photographers and adventure seekers worldwide are invited to celebrate the outdoors as Flickr and Oboz launch a global contest to inspire creativity and storytelling in nature.

Flickr, the world’s leading photography community, has partnered with Oboz Footwear, the Montana-based specialist known for durable outdoor hiking gear, to commemorate World Photography Day 2025. Together, the two brands are inviting people of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the beauty of open spaces and to capture the stories they find there—through both in-person adventure and an accessible global photo contest.

Inspiring Outdoor Exploration and Creativity

On August 8, Flickr and Oboz will unite outdoor lovers and creative minds with a guided, 3.4-mile photography hike at San Francisco’s iconic Lands’ End Trail. Guided by Alastair Jolly, Global Brand Manager at Flickr, participants will learn practical photography techniques, discover new perspectives, and find inspiration among one of California’s most scenic urban escapes. Attendees will have the opportunity to demo the latest Oboz Hyalite Collection hiking shoes, blend hands-on adventure with art, and experience surprise moments thoughtfully designed to spark creativity with every step.

Crystal Duarte, Director of Marketing at Flickr said: “Flickr and Oboz share a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the stories that unfold through exploration. This collaboration reflects our shared passion for inspiring photographers of all levels to discover new perspectives and share the world through their lens.”

The event is part of Flickr’s ongoing effort to connect photographers with meaningful experiences in the natural world, reinforcing the important role that open landscapes, wild environments, and community play in the process of visual storytelling.

A Global Photo Contest for Every Perspective

Following the San Francisco event, Flickr will open the World Photography Day Photo Contest to participants worldwide from August 8 through August 25. The contest, accessible to anyone with a passion for photography and love for the outdoors, features five diverse categories designed to honor the range and depth of creative exploration:

• Earth Unfiltered: Aerials, landscapes, seascapes, and astrophotography, celebrating the awe of raw nature.

• Wild at Heart: Portraits, documentary, wedding, and lifestyle images that tell human stories and capture emotional truths.

• Animal Kingdom: All forms of wildlife, pets, and animals, championing our connections to the natural world.

• Built Environment: Urban scenes, architecture, and city life, highlighting human ingenuity and adaptation.

• Off the Map: Artistry and imagination that defy categorization, embracing experimentation and new creative visions.

Each category winner will receive a pair of Oboz shoes from the Hyalite Collection—designed for those who love exploring trails—and a one-year Flickr Pro subscription to further support their photographic pursuits.

Abigail Cook, Oboz Footwear Marketing and ESG Manager said: “Good footwear empowers people to step confidently into new experiences. With Flickr we are celebrating the intersection of adventure and artistry while supporting a global community committed to sustainability and self-expression.”

Conservation and the Spirit of World Photography Day

This collaborative venture isn’t just about creativity; it’s also about conservation and the drive to protect the world’s wild places. Both Flickr and Oboz Footwear are members of The Conservation Alliance, demonstrating shared advocacy for environments that foster both adventure and art. By merging the global reach of online communities with tangible outdoor experiences, this partnership seeks to elevate awareness of the essential links between creativity, sustainability, and stewardship.

World Photography Day itself carries a legacy of openness and innovation. Celebrated globally each August 19, it marks the day in 1839 when France presented the daguerreotype photographic process to the world, making the art and science of photography accessible to all without restriction. The first official World Photography Day took place in 2010, and the occasion has since become a worldwide celebration of visual storytelling, personal expression, and cultural exchange.

Join the Adventure—Online and On the Trail

Whether you’re drawn to windswept landscapes, the energy of city streets, or the close magic of animal life, this year’s World Photography Day offers the chance to connect with kindred spirits, learn from experts, and showcase your vision to a global audience. If you’re in San Francisco, you can join the hike at Lands’ End Trail. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll be able to enter your best shots in the global contest.