Mono Orbit Awards 2026

Mono Orbit Awards 2026 focuses on a part of everyday life that photography can easily overlook: the systems, surfaces and structures people build around themselves. Its first edition is a monochrome open call devoted to the built environment, with the theme Emission. Entries remain open until January 6, 2027, and the award is available worldwide to photographers aged 18 or older.

Each participant may submit between one and four photographs for a single entry fee. The images may approach the theme through architecture, infrastructure, industry, construction, energy, transport, public space or another human-made environment, but they must work in monochrome and make their connection to Emission visible without relying entirely on a title or description. Documentary and conceptual approaches are reviewed together rather than divided into categories, giving this black and white photography contest a single curatorial frame.

Three awards provide a combined €2,100: €900 for First Prize, €700 for Second Prize and €500 for Third Prize. Honourable Mentions may also be named, while awarded and selected work can receive presentation through the Winners Showcase, editorial features, certificates and official social channels. The fee is €20 total for one to four photographs, with no additional charge for the second, third or fourth image. For photographers comparing wider photography competitions, the essential points are international eligibility, a compact submission format and a tightly defined built-environment brief.

Prizes

The Mono Orbit Awards 2026 edition combines cash prizes with editorial and online recognition.

• First Prize: €900. The overall winner will also be invited to an interview or editorial feature about their practice and relationship to the built environment.
• Second Prize: €700.
• Third Prize: €500.
• Honourable Mentions: Selected photographs may receive an Honourable Mention and an official digital certificate.
• Awarded and selected work: Photographs will be presented in a dedicated Winners Showcase and may also appear through social media features or later editorial content.

Selected work may also be considered for future photobooks, publications and exhibitions in Europe, subject to the development of those projects.

Categories or Themes

There are no separate categories. Every eligible photograph enters one shared selection under the theme Emission, with observational, interpretive and other photographic approaches considered together.

The theme examines what the built environment releases, produces or leaves behind: physically, socially, visually or symbolically. Although the call overlaps with an architecture photography competition, its scope also covers roads, factories, transport systems, power infrastructure, construction sites, public space and human-made landscapes. Monochrome should contribute to structure, atmosphere and meaning rather than serve only as an effect.

Dates and Entry Fees

Entries for Mono Orbit Awards 2026 close on January 6, 2027. Each participant may submit between one and four photographs for a single entry fee.

Entry fees:

• Entry fee: €20 total for one to four photographs.
• Additional photographs: No additional fee for the second, third or fourth photograph.
• Submission limit: Up to four photographs per participant.

How to Enter

1. Create an account on the Mono Orbit Awards website.
2. Select between one and four monochrome photographs that respond clearly to the current theme.
3. Prepare each photograph as a JPG in the sRGB color space. It must be no more than 3,000 pixels on its longest side and no larger than 6 MB.
4. Remove watermarks, logos, borders and identifying text from the submitted files.
5. Complete the submission form, upload the photographs, pay the €20 total fee and submit the entry. A confirmation email should follow once the submission has been received.

Digital and analogue photography are accepted, provided the uploaded files meet the stated digital specifications.

Why Enter Mono Orbit Awards?

The format is concentrated: one theme, up to four photographs and one shared selection. It may be relevant to photographers examining built structures, industry, infrastructure, energy or public space without requiring a complete series or a choice between numerous prize categories.

For readers comparing the best photography competitions through Deartline, the concrete outcomes include €2,100 in announced awards, a dedicated Winners Showcase, a possible editorial interview for the overall winner, certificates and official presentation of selected work. Worldwide eligibility also places it among current international photography contests.

Rules and Copyright

We reviewed the official rules of the Mono Orbit Awards 2026 to summarize the key participation requirements, copyright terms and image usage conditions. Before entering, we recommend checking the complete rules published by the organizer.

Rules

• Entrants must be at least 18 years old and may enter from any country. People directly involved in administering or selecting the current edition are excluded.
• Every entry must consist of one to four original monochrome photographs made by the entrant. The €20 fee covers the complete submission, with no additional charge for the second, third or fourth photograph.
• Black and white, grayscale and consistently toned monochrome images are accepted. Images using several distinct colours or selective-color effects may be rejected.
• AI-generated imagery is prohibited. Standard adjustments such as exposure, contrast, tone, cropping, monochrome conversion, sharpening, noise reduction and minor sensor-dust removal are permitted.
• The organizer may request a RAW file, unedited source file, film scan or other evidence of photographic origin and authorship.
• Entrants must hold the necessary rights and permissions for identifiable people, private property, artworks, trademarks and other protected material shown in the image.

Copyright and Image Usage

Copyright remains with the photographer. Entry grants Mono Orbit and Mono Orbit Awards a non-exclusive, worldwide and royalty-free license to use the submitted work for administering and promoting the award, presenting results, producing the Winners Showcase and publishing related editorial features. The license also covers the organizer’s websites, social media, newsletters, press coverage and award-related promotional or archival material.

Ownership is not transferred. An individual photograph will not be sold, licensed or commercially exploited as a standalone work without a separate agreement with the photographer. Credit will be provided where reasonably possible.

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