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Think you know the stories behind every photo? Think again. As one of the best photography competitions 2025 and featured in our free photo contests listings, the Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025 invites image-makers worldwide to shine a light on social inequities and human rights abuses. Now in its 29th edition, entries are open until October 10, 2025, offering a €6,000 prize to the winner and the chance to exhibit in a collective, touring showcase in Madrid and beyond.
Storytellers can tackle themes such as health crises, natural disasters, humanitarian action, international cooperation, social exclusion, human rights violations, armed conflict, vulnerable groups, and refugee or migrant experiences. Independent of professional status, entrants over 18 submit a series of five to ten JPEG images via the Picter platform, complete with project descriptions, biographies and detailed captions. There are no entry fees, making it one of the most accessible global platforms. A preliminary selection by Médicos del Mundo’s technical committee precedes a blind jury review in November 2025, with final awards and exhibitions scheduled for 2026.
The Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025 represents a significant opportunity for documentary and photojournalistic professionals and enthusiasts alike. By focusing on underreported issues and providing substantial financial and exhibition support, it elevates impactful visual storytelling on a global stage. The collective catalogue and itinerant exhibition not only amplifies your work across major cultural hubs but also connects you with leading figures in humanitarian media. With a cash award that can fund future projects, this contest underscores Médicos del Mundo’s commitment to social awareness through photography.
The Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025 Prizes
The Luis Valtueña Award honors the power of documentary photography with the following distinctions:
- First Prize: €6,000 gross.
- Winner & Finalists: Inclusion in the official catalogue and collective itinerant exhibition produced by Médicos del Mundo Spain.
- Travel & Lodging: Covered for two consecutive nights for the winner and shortlisted finalists to attend the award ceremony and exhibition inauguration in Madrid (2026).
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The Categories of the Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025
The 29th Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025 does not have distinct categories. Instead, the award is unified by a powerful thematic focus on humanitarian issues, with an emphasis on a documentary and/or photojournalistic approach.
Photographs submitted must tell a story related to one of the following themes:
- Health
- Natural disasters
- Humanitarian action
- International cooperation
- Social exclusion
- Human rights violations
- Armed conflicts
- Vulnerable groups
- Refugees and/or migrant populations
Special attention will be given to stories of interest that are not sufficiently covered or are little known, in order to contribute to their dissemination and reflection. This makes it a key platform for in-depth photojournalism contests and visual investigations into critical global issues.
Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The competition timeline for the 29th Luis Valtueña Award is as follows:
| Open for entries | 15 July 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 10 October 2025 |
| Rectification period | By 17 October 2025 |
| Jury decision | November 2025 |
| Award ceremony & exhibition opening | 2026 (date TBA) |
As with all our free to enter photo competitions, there are no registration or processing fees.
How to Enter:
Submit a single entry comprising a series of 5–10 JPEG images (minimum 3,000 px on the longest side) via the Picter platform. Fill out the online form in English or Spanish, including personal details, biography, project description and image captions that do not reveal your name. Ensure EXIF metadata remains intact and that no photomontages, multiple exposures or AI-generated images are included.
About the Jury
A two-step process ensures impartial selection: first, a pre-selection committee from Médicos del Mundo reviews all valid entries according to the contest rules. Then an international jury—composed of leading photography professionals, a representative from humanitarian action and a Médicos del Mundo delegate—conducts a blind evaluation in November 2025. Decisions are made by simple majority, may declare the award void if no entry meets the standard, and will result in one winner and up to three shortlisted finalists.
Why Enter the Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025?
Participating in the Luis Valtueña Award offers more than just a cash prize. As one of our featured photography contests and competitions, it provides unique visibility through a professional catalogue and a touring exhibition that reaches audiences across Europe and beyond. Ranking among leading culture photography awards, it delivers a generous €6,000 gross prize and fosters connections with global humanitarian and media networks. For visual storytellers focused on social impact, it represents a launchpad to amplify work and engage new audiences.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
Entries must be single-frame JPEG images (max 3 MB, min 3,000 px on longest edge) in sRGB or grayscale Gamma 2.2 with full metadata intact. Submit one series per entrant (5–10 images), with project description and unique captions in English or Spanish. No photomontages, multiple exposures, digital manipulation beyond basic adjustments or AI-generated content are allowed. At least half of the images must be shot between 2024 and 2025.
Copyright and Image Usage
Entrants retain full authorship and copyright of submitted images. By entering, winners and finalists grant Médicos del Mundo Spain and the Doctors of the World International Network a non-exclusive, worldwide license—without remuneration—to reproduce, distribute, exhibit and transform the images for promotional, educational and exhibition purposes in any format or medium.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
