The Vienna International Photo Awards, or VIPA for short, mission is to draw more attention to documentary photography in Austria and worldwide. Ever since we have established the first edition, VIPA has become one of the leading documentary photography contests.
We wanted VIPA to be different as we focus on a niche between press and art photography that is often lost sight of. The uniqueness of documentary photography lies in its rendering of a wide variety of themes, its distinct image characteristics and the plurality of perceptions in a way not found in press photography or art photography.
Moreover, it is our strong belief that every photograph is a personal message about humanity. Each photographer perceives the reality and brings forward the human essence sharing his vision of the world through his work. We aim to salute the achievements of the world’s finest photographers, to discover new and emerging talents, and to promote and enhance contemporary photography in Austria and all over the world.
There are three categories:
• Professional
• Amateur
• Smartphone
There is no specific theme, only documentary photography. The submitted pictures have to focus on documentary photo-reportages such as social, cultural, political or environmental issues.
The competition will be judged by a board of highly esteemed photo editors, curators, art directors and other luminaries from the international photography community.
Entry fee: 35 Euro (approx. 45 USD) for 1 to 5 images.
Eligibility
The competition is open for professional, amateur and student photographers from any country. Applicants must be 18 years old or over.
Prize
Besides the total value of 9.000 EUR (approx. 12,000 USD) in money prizes, the short-listed winners will be able to take part in a group exhibition in Vienna as well as in the publication of VIPA’s official catalogue.
The awards ceremony, the presentation of the official catalogue as well the opening of the group exhibition will be held during the last quarter 2014 in Vienna.