The Berlin Photo Awards 2026 is an international photography competition that celebrates creative vision and visual storytelling across a wide range of genres. Organized as a global open call, the competition invites photographers to submit their strongest work in categories such as portrait, architecture, travel, black and white, and open theme. With an emphasis on originality and artistic expression, the awards aim to highlight compelling imagery from both emerging and established talents.
Based in Berlin, the competition is judged by an international panel of experienced photographers and visual creators. Submissions are evaluated for both technical excellence and creative impact, ensuring a balanced and professional selection process. The awards encourage experimentation and diversity, allowing participants to enter multiple categories and present work that spans different photographic styles.
Winning the Berlin Photo Awards offers significant visibility within the global photography community. Selected works are showcased in an official exhibition and featured in a digital photobook, helping photographers reach wider audiences. The competition provides a platform for artists to gain recognition, connect with industry professionals, and advance their creative careers through international exposure.
Entry fee: €25 per photo; additional photos receive a discount and extra category entries incur an additional fee
Eligibility
Open to photographers worldwide aged 18 or over, including professionals, amateurs, and students, with original photographs (AI-generated images not accepted).
Prize
The competition offers a total prize pool of €4,000, including a €1,000 cash award for the Photographer of the Year and €100 for each category winner. Winners also receive trophies, digital certificates, and international recognition. Selected works are exhibited at ERSTERERSTER Gallery in Berlin and published in the official digital winners photobook, with additional promotional features across the competition’s platforms.