
The Chania International Photo Festival 2025 (CIP Festival 2025) invites photographers from around the globe to showcase their creative talent in the picturesque town of Chania, Crete. Organized by the Blank Wall Gallery in collaboration with the Municipality of Chania, this festival transforms the historic Venetian port into a hub of artistic expression, featuring more than 500 photographers each year. Taking place at the Center of the Mediterranean Architecture (CAM) and other iconic venues, the festival combines breathtaking photography with the charm of Chania’s cultural heritage.
The festival is open to photographers of all levels—amateurs and professionals alike—offering them an opportunity to exhibit their work in a prestigious international setting. This year’s edition features a wide array of categories, from cityscapes to fine art, street photography, and wildlife, ensuring that photographers of all styles can find their place. The carefully curated exhibitions promise to captivate visitors and celebrate the diversity and artistry of contemporary photography.
Participation in the festival is highly accessible. While the submission process is entirely free, selected artists will pay a nominal participation fee, which covers printing, framing, and exhibition setup. With its emphasis on inclusivity, professionalism, and artistic collaboration, the CIP Festival continues to be a standout event in the world of photography contests and challenges.
The submission deadline is March 31, 2025. An esteemed international jury will select the photographs for exhibition, and winners will be announced during the festival’s run. For photographers seeking global recognition and the chance to share their vision in a culturally rich setting, the Chania International Photo Festival is an opportunity worth exploring.
The 8th Chania International Photo Festival 2025 Prizes
Participating in the CIP Festival 2025 offers more than just the thrill of competition; it provides a unique opportunity to gain exposure, recognition, and valuable professional benefits. Selected photographers will have their work displayed at iconic venues, including the CAM’s Grand Arsenali, a historic building dating back to 1595. The photographs will be printed and framed, with all exhibition logistics—including hanging, press releases, and invitations—handled by the organizers.
Every participating artist will receive a Certificate of Participation, a valuable addition to any photographer’s portfolio. While the festival does not offer monetary prizes, the prestige and exposure gained through this event are invaluable.
Themes and Categories of the CIP Festival 2025
The festival embraces diversity by offering a wide range of categories, encouraging photographers to showcase their unique perspectives and styles. Among the 16 categories of the competition we can find spaces dedicated to black and white, wildlife photography, landscape or macrophotography.
Here is the complete list of categories of this CIP Festival 2025:
Cityscape | Monochrome |
Fine Art | Street Photography |
Landscape | Wildlife |
Abstract | Portraits |
Conceptual | Macro |
Panoramic | Nature |
Travelling | Color |
Architecture | Documentary |
The Chania International Photo Festival 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The 8th Chania International Photo Festival (CIP Festival 2025) has outlined key dates and a straightforward fee structure to ensure clarity and accessibility for all participants.
Important Dates:
- Submissions close: March 31, 2025.
Fees:
- Submission: Free.
- Participation fee (for selected photographers): €43.
The participation fee covers printing, framing, and exhibition logistics at the prestigious venue in Chania.
This fee covers all essential services, including the printing and framing of photographs, promotional efforts, and hosting at the prestigious Center of Mediterranean Architecture in Chania. The festival ensures that all exhibited works are professionally printed on 260 gsm paper, framed, and displayed with precision to highlight the photographers’ artistic intent.
About the Jury
An international jury comprising renowned photographers and industry professionals will evaluate the submissions. The panel includes esteemed artists such as:
- Alain Schroeder (Belgium): Award-winning photographer specializing in fine art and documentary photography.
- Chelsea Nix and Mariano Cortez (USA/Argentina): Creative duo known for their storytelling approach to photography.
- Isabella Tabacchi (Italy): Acclaimed landscape photographer with a unique artistic perspective.
- Dennis Ramos (USA): Master fine art photographer celebrated for his evocative black-and-white imagery.
These experts will assess submissions based on originality, technical excellence, and the emotional impact of the images.
The judging panel is made up of:
Alain Schroeder (Belgium), Alexey Sorochan (Ukraine), Anton Alymov (Russia), Ben McRae (Australia), Bob Patterson (USA), Chelsea Nix (USA) & Mariano Cortez (Argentina), Dennis Ramos (USA), Frank Van Es (Netherlands), Guy Needham (New Zealand), Heike Suhre (Netherlands), Isabella Tabacchi (Italy), James Niven (New Zealand), Nick Apostolopoulos (Greece), Ron Colbroth (USA), Maria Toutoudaki (Greece), and Markos Dolopikos (Greece).
Why Enter Chania International Photo Festival 2025?
Participating in the Chania International Photo Festival 2025 offers photographers a chance to gain unparalleled visibility on an international stage. The festival’s curated exhibitions attract thousands of visitors each summer, providing exposure to art enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public.
For photographers looking to push creative boundaries, the festival’s diverse categories encourage experimentation and artistic growth. From the vibrant streets of urban landscapes to the serene beauty of untouched nature, the festival celebrates the full spectrum of photographic expression.
Moreover, the festival’s accessible participation process and professional curation ensure that every selected photographer can present their work in the best possible light. This is an opportunity to connect with a global audience, gain recognition, and join the thriving community of artists showcased at the CIP Festival.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.