16 photo contests for creative talent in August 2025

Contents:

• Form Photo Award 2025
• Call for Zine Submissions from Victoria Gallery
• Announcement of the 2025 Little Red Biennale
• Call for Participation in the Exhibition "The Great Disorder"
• 2025 Photography 4 Humanity Global Awards
• 2025 Street Photography Awards
• Science Achievements: Looking to 2025
  
• OD Photo Prize 2025
• Open Call for the After (Post)Photography Conference
• A Summer of Hope
• Lucie Photobook Prize 2025
• FELIFA International Prize 2025
• Fotografica Next
• Contemporary Cities: Industrial Traces and Corporate Buildings
• Eidolon Grant 2025
• FIGURES Mentorship Programme 2025/2026 year

We present to your attention information about competitions that will be of interest to both professional and amateur photographers. The deadline for submitting works is set for August.

Form Photo Award 2025 Photography Competition

Deadline: 1 August

Who: For individuals engaged in authorship and over the age of eighteen.

The entry fee is 35 euros.

A chance to participate in the Miami art fair, which annually attracts approximately 80,000 visitors.

Both photo series and individual images that are part of these series are accepted. To participate in the competition, you must submit a short biography, a description of the project, and one to eight photographs taken no earlier than 2020.

There are no restrictions on this topic.

Prizes:

• The works of the five winners will be presented at the Scope art fair, scheduled for Miami in December 2025, and will also be featured in Form Magazine. The winners will have the opportunity to attend the gala opening of the exhibition.
• The digital works of the ten shortlisted artists will be presented at the Scope art fair. In addition, their work will appear in Form Magazine.
• Each of those included in the longlist will receive reviews of their work from qualified specialists.

The names of the winners will be announced in September.

Invitation to participate for zine authors from the Victoria Gallery

Deadline: August 1st

For everyone without exception.

Participation fee: free of charge.

Samara Gallery of Contemporary Art "Victoria" has announced a call for zine authors to participate in the Volgafest festival.

From August 22nd to 24th, Volgafest will be held in Samara, on the banks of the Volga. As part of the event, the Victoria Gallery will organize a beach zine library, where publications from its collection, as well as works selected through an open competition, will be presented. The best editions will remain in the gallery's library, dedicated to contemporary art.

The organizers invite authors from around the world to submit their black-and-white text, graphic, or photo zines. Submit your work in print-ready file format.

The results will be announced no later than August 10.

Announcement of the "Little Red Biennale - 2025"

Deadline: August 1st

Acceptance: No restrictions

Participation fee: Free of charge.

The Krasnenkaya Biennale invites artists using a variety of mediums to submit their applications.

The Biennale traditionally focuses on the exploration of space through the practice of walking, known as walking art. This approach turns the process of movement into a way of understanding one’s personality and the world around one. The path chosen for the Biennale runs along the Krasnenkaya River in the Avtovo district of St. Petersburg.

Theme for 2025: “Rethinking the Inner World.”

“We invite artists to submit their applications: interesting proposals for installations, performances, art objects, and any other projects, both individual and group. It is important to consider the specific features of the space, the relevance of the theme, an environmentally sound approach to the creation and dismantling of the works, and to ensure the harmonious interaction of the work with both the internal and external environments."

Submission is required of a completed project or concept for the work, as well as associated sketches, explanatory text, and a brief summary.

The selection results will be announced by August 4. The Biennale will take place on August 30 and 31.

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Invitation to participate in the exhibition "The Great Disorder"

Deadline: August 4

For all categories of users, without any exceptions.

Participation fee: free.

This year, the HSE School of Art and Design began accepting applications from everyone to participate in its traditional Large Exhibition.

Not only students, graduates, and faculty of the educational institution are invited to participate, but also all authors working in contemporary art whose works correspond to the given theme of the exhibition. In 2025, the theme will be "Great Disorder".

The organizers encourage artists to freely interpret the theme and use familiar means of self-expression.

Both individual authors and groups of artists can submit applications. The project can be submitted to the competition in full completed form or as a detailed sketch.

The list of finalists for the exhibition will be published in September. The event itself is planned for the fall of 2025 and will take place in one of the exhibition locations in Moscow.

Photography 4 Humanity Global Awards 2025

Deadline: August 5th

Target audience: individuals engaged in writing and over the age of eighteen.

Entry fee: free.

Photography 4 Humanity is organizing an international photography competition dedicated to the issue of climate justice. This photo platform is part of the Global Climate Alliance, which was founded in partnership with the UN Human Rights Council.

The competition organizers encourage authors to consider climate change not only in the context of environmental issues, but also as an important issue concerning human rights.

The jury is looking for photographs that show the "human face" of the climate crisis: climate migrants, indigenous peoples and communities, as well as other people whose lives have been affected by global warming, and those actively fighting climate change.

All photographs must be taken between August 1, 2024 and August 5, 2025. Each participant may submit a maximum of five photographs.

Prizes:

• The winner of the award will be awarded US$5,000.
• The winner, as well as ten finalists and twenty nominees, will have the opportunity to be published on the official website of the United Nations.

2025 Street Photography Awards

Deadline: August 6th

Eligible: Authors aged 18 and over.

Entry Fee: The first photo is free, and subsequent images cost $10 each; a photo collection of 10 photos costs $45.

Street photography competition organized by the LensCulture platform.

You can submit both single photos and entire series. The latter must consist of a maximum of 10 images that are related by theme or aesthetics.

There is no limit on the time the photographs were taken.

Prizes.

Series Prize Winners:

• First Place: $3,500.
• Second Place: $2,000.
• Third Place: $1,000.

Single Photo Competition Winners:

• First Place: $2,000.
• Second Place: $1,000.
• Third Place: $500.

All winners will be exhibited at The Photography Show in New York City in the spring of 2026.

«Scientific achievements: a look into 2025»

Deadline: August 8

For everyone without exceptions.

Participation fee: free

A competition dedicated to natural and scientific photography is being held in Russia, which aims to demonstrate that research in the field of biological sciences can be fascinating not only from a scientific point of view, but also as a form of visual art.

Each author has the opportunity to present up to five of their works in one or more nominations. There are no restrictions regarding the date of their creation.

Prizes:

• An exhibition will be held in Moscow, where the most outstanding photographs will be presented.
• Each of the winners in their categories will be awarded prizes from the sponsors of the competition.

OD Photo Prize 2025

Deadline: August 12th

Who is it for: writers with less than 10 years' experience.

The entry fee is $23.

The UK-based Open Doors Gallery is organising a competition for emerging photographers who use photography as their primary medium of expression.

Emerging authors include writers of all ages who have been practicing their craft for no more than ten years.

To participate in the competition, you must submit a photo series of 6-15 images, along with an accompanying artist statement. The subject matter of the work is not limited.

Prizes:

• The winner will receive a prize of 2000 pounds sterling.
• The winner and shortlisted participants will have the opportunity to participate in an exhibition taking place in London.

The announcement of the shortlist for the prize will take place in October, and the exhibition will open in November.

Open call for participation in the conference "After (post)photography"

Deadline: August 15

Target audience: young scientists.

Attendance fee: free.

The conference, entitled "After (Post)Photography," has announced the opening of a call for applications for participation in the section dedicated to young researchers in the field of photography.

Young researchers include all scientists, regardless of age, who are currently studying or have recently completed their studies and are just beginning their scientific career.

A brief overview of the research work should be prepared, which should not exceed 1600 characters. Participants who have presented their work will give papers at the conference, after which there will be a discussion of the submitted texts with the participation of reviewers. This process will help authors identify controversial aspects of their research and refine their hypotheses.

The topic has no restrictions.

The seminar will be held in person in English.

"After (Post)Photography" is an international conference dedicated to visual studies, as well as the history and theory of photography. This year the event is scheduled for November 5th to 8th in Yerevan.

A Summer of Hope

Deadline: August 17th

To: No restrictions.

Participation fee: zero rubles.

An open competition has been announced for those wishing to take part in an online exhibition on the Lenscratch platform.

Please submit one photograph on the theme: faith in a brighter future.

"How can your photographs contribute to a better world? We are interested in images that convey themes of hope, love, care, healing, and warmth."

The virtual exhibition, titled "Summer of Hope," will open on August 30.

The 2025 Lucie Photobook Award

Deadline: August 22

Open to all.

The entry fee is $35 for indie authors and $55 for commercial authors.

This competition is for photobook creators, including photographers, editors, curators, and publishers.

The organizers accept a variety of book formats, from classic print editions and rough drafts to hand-made works and zines. The main requirement is that they must be created between March 2023 and September 2025. Submissions should be submitted in PDF format.

The competition includes two main categories: "Traditional," intended for authors working with commercial publications, and "Independent," which is open to authors publishing in independent publications. Each nomination is divided into several genre categories and thematic subcategories.

Prizes:

• In the fall of 2025, all laureates and finalists will be presented in a group exhibition at the Picto NY gallery, located in New York.
• The laureate in the classical category will be awarded $3,000.
• In the independent category, the prize will be $2,000.

FELIFA International Award 2025

Deadline: August 24

Eligibility: No restrictions.

The entry fee is $25.

Argentina is hosting a competition to select the most outstanding photo book published in the country.

To Photobooks published between October 2023 and August 2025 by independent, commercial, and self-publishing houses are eligible to participate, provided the print run is at least 50 copies.

There are three categories: Editing, Graphic Design, and Printing. Each category will select several books that will advance to the finals, as well as one winning publication. One work will be selected from among all the finalists, and its creators will receive the grand prize.

To participate, you must provide a PDF version of the book and a link to the video review. In addition, it is necessary to send a printed copy of the publication to the organizers, which will be accepted until September 6.

Prizes:

• All submitted books will be presented at an exhibition in Buenos Aires in October.
• The winning books that reach the finals will be included in a traveling exhibition, which will be shown at various venues in Latin America.

The list of nominees for the award will be published on September 22, and the final results will be announced on October 18.

Fotografica Next

Deadline: August 27

Target audience: young authors aged 18 to 30.

Participation fee: free.

A chance to organize an individual exhibition in the Italian city of Bergamo.

The Fotografica festival is organizing a competition for aspiring photographers. The competition is divided into two groups: traditional photography and works created with the help of artificial intelligence. The former group accepts series of 10-15 photographs, while the latter accepts works of 3-10 images.

The 2025 theme is "As Bold as Possible," and encourages artists to delve into the true meaning of power.

Prizes:

• Each winner in their category will receive €3,000, the opportunity to have a solo exhibition at the festival, and will have the opportunity to have their portfolio reviewed free of charge during the event.
• The five finalists in each category will be presented digitally at the festival. These works will also have the opportunity to have their portfolio reviewed free of charge.

Fotografica will run from October 11 to November 9, 2025.

Modern cities: traces of industry and corporate buildings

Deadline: 27 August

For whom: for writers aged 18 and over.

Participation fee: free

A photography competition dedicated to the theme "Traces of Industry".

Photographs should illustrate how industrial structures transform the architectural landscape of the city, emphasizing their artistic, historical and cultural significance.

Each participant has the opportunity to submit up to three photo projects. Your submission must include one to three photographs and a description of the project.

Prizes:

• First Place: $2,000.
• Second Place: $1,000.
• Selection of works will be on display at the Bunge & Born Foundation in Buenos Aires.

The Bunge & Born Foundation is an Argentine non-profit organization that promotes innovation in education, science, culture, and health.

Eidolon Grant 2025

Deadline: August 31st

For everyone, without any restrictions.

Participation fee: free of charge.

The grant, provided by the Hungarian Center for Everyday Photography Eidolon, is intended for authors working on projects that focus on the research, popularization and protection of everyday photography.

There is the possibility of submitting applications in two different categories.

The first section is dedicated to the theme "Contemporary Everyday Photoculture." The jury expects to see projects that will deeply analyze the phenomena of digital images and social media platforms, as well as explore the culture of online images and their impact on social, political, historical and aesthetic aspects.

The second category is called "Everyday Photography of the Past." It is aimed at creators who explore the meaning of everyday photography created in the 19th and 20th centuries and work with archives, both private and public.

To participate, please submit a project description, a preliminary plan for its implementation and a budget.

A total of 25,000 euros has been allocated in grants.

The names of those who will receive grants will be announced in October 2025.

FIGURES Mentoring Programme 2025/2026

Deadline: August 31st

Target audience: authors aged 18 and over.

The price for participation is 10 euros.

The FIGURES platform offers a mentoring program aimed at emerging artists.

The organizers announced a search for projects related to the concept of "slow "Photography." This approach involves a careful and deep immersion in the creative process, where the storytelling plays a key role.

Participation in the project does not require submitting images; simply describing the concept of the project is sufficient.

Selected artists will be able to count on assistance in realizing their ideas: throughout all stages of the project, including the final stage of printing the photo book, they will participate in monthly online sessions with a mentor. In addition, they will be provided with a grant of 500 euros to partially reimburse production costs.

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Photography contests: reasons for participation and their importance

Photography contests are an excellent opportunity for photographers, both beginners and experienced, to showcase their skills and creativity. Participating in such events can bring not only recognition but also new opportunities for professional growth.

The main reason for participating in photography competitions is the desire for self-expression. These competitions provide a platform to present your work to a wider audience and receive constructive criticism from professionals and amateurs. Furthermore, the awards and prizes that can be won can be an excellent incentive for further development in the field of photography.

Photography competitions also allow you to expand your social circle. Participants have the opportunity to meet other creative individuals, exchange experiences and ideas. This can lead to new projects and collaborations, which is especially valuable in the art world.

An equally important aspect of participating in such competitions is the opportunity to draw attention to your portfolio. Successful work can help in the future in finding clients or collaboration offers, which sometimes becomes a decisive factor in a photographer's career.

In conclusion, photography competitions are not only a chance to prove yourself, but also an important step towards professional development. Participating in them can open doors to new opportunities and bring the pleasure of communicating with like-minded people.