2026 Communication Arts Photography Annual 67

2026 Communication Arts Photography Annual 67

CBU Photography Students Earn Half of All Student Honors in Prestigious Communication Arts Photography Annual

Riverside, CA — April 2026 — The Photography program at California Baptist University (CBU) has earned national recognition in the 67th annual photography competition hosted by Communication Arts magazine, one of the most respected publications in the visual communications industry.

CBU Photography students were awarded three of the six selected student works, representing 50% of all student honors in this year’s highly competitive international competition.

Out of 1,509 entries, only 110 projects were selected by a distinguished jury of industry professionals, making the Communication Arts Photography Annual one of the most selective and prestigious competitions in the field. The six student works recognized globally highlight emerging talent, with CBU students earning a remarkable share among top institutions and young photographers worldwide.

The winning projects will be featured in the July/August 2026 issue of Communication Arts, distributed to more than 25,000 subscribers and industry professionals worldwide, in both print and digital formats. This publication provides significant exposure to creatives across photography, design, advertising, and media industries.

“This recognition is a testament to the strength of our students’ vision, discipline, and creative excellence,” said Christopher Kern, Department Chair of Visual Arts & Design at CBU. “To have three of the six student works selected on an international stage speaks not only to individual achievement, but to the culture of mentorship, collaboration, and professional preparation within our program.”

The Communication Arts Photography Annual is widely regarded as the most exclusive major photography competition in the world, with selections based on creative excellence and quality of execution. Entries are evaluated through a rigorous multi-round judging process by leading art directors, photographers, and editors from across the global creative industry.

Now in its 68th year, Communication Arts continues to showcase the highest standards in visual communications, featuring work from both established professionals and emerging voices shaping the future of the field.

CBU’s continued presence in this international publication underscores the program’s commitment to excellence and its role in preparing students for impactful careers in photography and visual storytelling.

2026 Photography Jury