AFAR Media and United MileagePlus partnered on a global search for aspiring photography talent. The Photo Awards celebrated the diverse and creative ways travelers capture the world. Entrants were asked to submit photo entries within five distinct categories: People, Outdoors, Cities, Food, and Style & Design. United's global coffee partner, Illy caffè North America Inc., also joined to sponsor the Style & Design category for the first time.

The photo contest culminated with a cocktail reception revealing the winning images and highlighting the diverse and creative ways that photographers -both professional and amateurs - see the world. This celebratory event was held at the San Francisco Art Institute, the winning images were on display for over a month as an art installation for students to enjoy. A portion of the proceeds were donated to a local school in support of their art department.