The International 212 Photography Competition 2025 opens its doors to photographers worldwide, offering a platform to showcase your vision by September 9, 2025. With a top prize of €5,000 in cash, a coveted feature in 212 Magazine’s next issue, and an exhibition slot at the renowned 212 Photography Istanbul festival, this contest combines prestige and tangible rewards. A streamlined online submission process makes it simple to enter from anywhere, while a panel of industry leaders ensures your work receives genuine global attention.
Embracing an open theme, the International 212 Photography Competition 2025 welcomes images across every style highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and creative freedom. Entrants may submit up to ten images with a €25 fee per set, allowing you to present a diverse portfolio. Shortlist notifications land by September 20, and winners are announced on September 27 at the festival’s opening gala. Discover why this event stands as one of the most popular photo challenges available today.
Whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, analog film or even a smartphone, this competition is purely merit-based—no gallery CV or prior exhibition history required. It offers emerging talents and seasoned professionals alike the chance to win substantial prizes, earn editorial exposure and receive expert feedback. With the entry deadline fast approaching, now is the time to assemble your strongest body of work and stake your claim on an international stage.
The International 212 Photography Competition Prizes
Photographers competing in the International 212 Photography Competition 2025 can look forward to three outstanding rewards designed to showcase and support their work:
- First Prize: €5,000 Cash Award
- Feature in 212 Magazine: The winning photograph will be prominently published in the next issue of 212 Magazine, granting international visibility and editorial prestige.
- Exhibition for Shortlisted Artists: All ten shortlisted photographers will have their series exhibited at the 212 Photography Istanbul Festival (September 27–October 12, 2025), offering exposure to curators, critics and a diverse festival audience.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the International 212 Photography Competition 2025
This competition does not distinguish by genre; it embraces an open theme. Photographers may submit work across any style—portrait, landscape, still life, fashion, documentary, or experimental—highlighting the event’s inclusive focus.
International 212 Photography Competition 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
- Entry Deadline: September 9, 2025 at 23:59 GMT+3
- Shortlist Notification: By September 20, 2025
- Winners Announcement: September 27, 2025 (festival opening)
Entry Fee: €25 per submission (up to 10 images per entry)
How to Enter:
Submit 5–10 images via the online application form by the deadline. Files may be a single PDF or ZIP (max 20 MB), with images at 1500 px on the longest side (72 dpi, RGB). Name files using lastname_firstname_series.pdf or .zip, and complete all mandatory form fields. Payment of €25 per entry is required to finalize submission.
Why Enter International 212 Photography Competition 2025?
The 212 Photography Competition 2025 is a truly exceptional opportunity for photographers looking to make a significant leap in their careers. This contest offer a chance to win a substantial €5,000 cash prize. The prestige of an exhibition at a major international festival like 212 Photography Istanbul provides a great exposure to a discerning audience of curators, collectors, gallerists, and editors. Publication in the festival’s photobook creates a lasting and tangible record of your achievement. For photographers exploring various photography challenges and rewards, the combination of a significant cash prize, a solo show, and publication, is incredibly rare. Having your work seen and selected by a world-class jury can open doors to new professional opportunities and lend immense credibility to your practice.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the 212 Photography Competition 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
The competition is open to photographers of any age and nationality.
Submissions must be a series of 5 to 10 photographs.
The competition has an open theme; all genres are welcome.
Submissions must be original works created by the entrant.
Digital manipulation rules often allow for standard adjustments, but the authenticity and integrity of the photographic work should be maintained. AI-generated images are typically not permitted in a photojournalistic or documentary context. Entrants should consult the full terms for specific details.
Copyright and Image Usage
The photographer retains the full copyright of their images at all times.
By entering, participants grant 212 Photography Istanbul the non-exclusive right to use the submitted images for promotional purposes related to the competition and the festival. This includes, but is not limited to, use in the exhibition, the photobook, on the official website and social media channels, and in press materials.
The organizers will always ensure that the photographer is credited whenever their work is used.
The license is generally for non-commercial promotional purposes related to the award, and any other use would typically require a separate agreement with the photographer.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
