Documentary Photography Contest 2025 by The Artist Gallery Awards

Documentary Photography Contest 2025 by The Artist Gallery Awards opens its call with a clear, story-first brief and a practical bonus: a 20% early-bird discount before September 22, and a final submission deadline of November 14, 2025. The focus is documentary work—images that reflect authentic experiences, social issues, everyday life, and long-term narratives. Selected photographs are showcased online, with the strongest entries also appearing in a printed magazine, and the top three receiving cash awards based on entry-fee revenue.

What matters most here is intent and craft. The organizers accept JPG files up to 12 MB (minimum 1000 px on the short side); basic toning is allowed, but adding or removing elements is not, and AI-generated images are prohibited. Judging is anonymous and considers creativity, technical skill, composition, and idea execution. For photographers scanning the best photography contests online, this contest stands out for its cash structure—1st (15%), 2nd (10%), 3rd (5%) of collected fees—plus publication and an active annual awards program.

The theme is single and straightforward—documentary—so entries can stretch across people, culture, daily life, and issues-driven stories. If you’re preparing work for a Documentary Photography Contest calendar, the mix of cash awards, print visibility, and simple file specs makes this a clean fit for both single images and cohesive mini-series.

The Documentary Photography Contest 2025 by The Artist Gallery Awards Prizes

Prizes combine cash awards tied to entries with publication and online reach:

• 1st Place: 15% of the total entry fees collected for this contest, plus a published feature about the photographer.
• 2nd Place: 10% of the total entry fees, plus a published feature.
• 3rd Place: 5% of the total entry fees, plus a published feature.
• Publication & Exposure: Up to 25 selected images showcased on the organizer’s site and social channels; standout work appears in a printed magazine; digital certificates for top photographers; potential partner prizes.

The Categories of the Documentary Photography Contest 2025 by The Artist Gallery Awards

There are no formal sub-categories. The single theme is documentary, covering people, culture, daily life, events, and issues.

Documentary Photography Contest 2025 by The Artist Gallery Awards Dates and Entry Fees

• Early-bird period: 20% discount available until September 22.
• Submission deadline: November 14, 2025.

Entry fees:

• Early bird:
  • $9 (1 photo)
  • $22 (3 photos)
  • $31 (5 photos)
  • $49 (10 photos)
• Regular:
  • $11 (1 photo)
  • $28 (3 photos)
  • $38 (5 photos)
  • $59 (10 photos)

File requirements: JPG (JPEG); smallest side at least 1000 px; up to 12 MB; no watermarks.

How to Enter:

Fill out the online form, choose your package (1/3/5/10 photos), upload JPGs, add titles/descriptions as requested, confirm the terms, and complete payment. Multiple entries are allowed.

About the Jury

For this edition, the juror is Mas Agung Wilis Yudha Baskoro—an Indonesian freelance photojournalist, anthropologist, and documentary photographer focused on social, environmental, and cultural issues. His photograph revealing the human cost of Indonesia’s nickel boom won the 2025 World Press Photo Award for the Asia-Pacific & Oceania — Singles category. He received an Honorable Mention at the SOPA Awards 2024 for Excellence in Explanatory Reporting, and participated as a photographer/artist in the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) Triennial 2023, representing Indonesia in the Megacities project.

Why Enter Documentary Photography Contest 2025 by The Artist Gallery Awards?

Cash awards indexed to entries, a path to print publication, and sustained online visibility make this a practical option for ongoing projects and fresh reportage. The anonymous judging process favors idea and execution, while monthly contests contribute to an annual distinction. If you track photo contest deadlines, this one aligns with documentary work that bridges photojournalism and real-life narratives. For more context, explore our broader Documentary Photography Contest listings.

Rules and Copyright

This section about the rules and image rights of the Documentary Photography Contest 2025 by The Artist Gallery Awards 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

• JPG only; smallest side at least 1000 px; file size up to 12 MB; no watermarks.
• Basic edits (exposure, contrast, sharpening, saturation) are allowed; adding or removing elements is not.
• AI-generated images are not accepted; entries must adhere to the documentary theme.
• Judging is anonymous and considers creativity, technical skill, composition, and idea.
• Multiple entries are allowed; entries must be received before the submission deadline.

Copyright and Image Usage

• Photographers retain copyright.
• The organizer may use images for gallery-related purposes (website, social media, marketing, exhibitions).
• Top works (Top 3 and honorable mentions) may be published in a special print edition; publication does not transfer ownership.
• Cash prizes are paid via electronic transfer/PayPal; any transfer fees or taxes are the winner’s responsibility.

For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.