
CVCEPHOTO 2025 is an exciting international photography contest organized by the Club Vasco de Camping Elkartea, a renowned mountaineering club based in San Sebastián, Spain. This competition invites photographers from around the world to showcase their talent in capturing the beauty of mountain activities. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers, and it is completely free to enter, making it accessible to a broad range of participants.
The theme for CVCEPHOTO 2025 is “Mountain Activity,” encompassing a wide variety of non-motorized outdoor activities in mountainous environments. From mountaineering and rock climbing to skiing, trekking, and paragliding, this contest aims to celebrate the diversity of mountain sports through the lens of photography. Participants can submit up to three photographs, each of which must adhere to the contest’s technical and ethical guidelines. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2025, with the winners being announced in October.
CVCEPHOTO offers a range of cash prizes, along with prestigious accolades and recognition. Notable awards include the grand prize of €1,500, the second prize of €800, and the third prize of €500, as well as several honorable mentions and special awards such as the “BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia Poster Prize” and the “EITB Prize” for the best image taken in the Basque Country. In addition to the prizes, selected photographs will be showcased in an exhibition and published online, further providing visibility to the winners and finalists.
The CVCEPHOTO 2025 Prizes
CVCEPHOTO 2025 offers a competitive prize pool, which is sure to motivate both amateur and professional photographers alike. The main prizes are:
- 1st Prize: €1,500 and an exclusive trophy created by the artist Iñigo Arístegui.
- 2nd Prize: €800.
- 3rd Prize: €500.
- 17 Honorable Mentions: Diplomas recognizing their excellent work.
In addition to these, there are two special awards:
- BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia Poster Prize: The winner will receive €800 and the honor of having their photograph featured as the official poster for the BBK Mendi Film, a prestigious mountain and adventure film festival.
- EITB Prize: Awarded to the best photograph taken in the Basque Country, with a cash prize of €800.
All cash prizes are subject to the legal withholding tax, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Themes and Categories of the CVCEPHOTO 2025
Although CVCEPHOTO 2025 does not have specific categories, the contest focuses on the theme of “Mountain Activity.” This broad theme allows photographers to submit images related to any non-motorized mountain activity. Examples include mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, mountain biking, skiing, paragliding, caving, and more. The main criteria for judging will be the composition, technique, moment of the shot, originality, and the sport’s value in the activity depicted.
In addition to the general competition, two special prizes—BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia Poster Prize and EITB Prize—will reward images with particular relevance to the film festival and the Basque Country, respectively.
CVCEPHOTO 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The competition will run from January 1 to March 31, 2025, during which time participants can submit their photographs. Afterward, from April 13, 2025, the contest organizers will begin requesting high-resolution files and RAW versions of the images from those who make it to the final stage. The list of finalists will be announced on May 13, 2025, and the prize-giving ceremony, along with the exhibition opening and online publication of selected works, will take place on October 18, 2025.
The CVCEPHOTO 2025 is entirely a free photography contest, making it an excellent opportunity for photographers worldwide to showcase their work without any financial commitment. However, participants are required to submit their photographs in a specific format (JPEG, max 2MB) and must comply with technical guidelines for image submission.
About the Jury
The jury for CVCEPHOTO 2025 consists of respected photographers with expertise in mountain photography, as well as individuals from the mountaineering community. They will evaluate the photographs based on several factors, including composition, technical quality, originality, and the depiction of mountain sports. The jury’s decision will be final and cannot be contested.
Additionally, for the BBK Mendi Film Poster Prize and the EITB Prize, the images will be judged according to their suitability for use in promotional materials, with special attention to ensuring that they can accommodate event logos without compromising their artistic integrity.
Why Enter CVCEPHOTO 2025?
There are several compelling reasons why participating in CVCEPHOTO 2025 can be a rewarding experience for photographers. Firstly, the contest offers significant visibility, with selected works being featured in an exhibition and published online. This exposure can help build the photographer’s portfolio and gain recognition in the mountain photography community.
Secondly, the cash prizes are substantial, particularly the €1,500 grand prize, which makes CVCEPHOTO a highly attractive option for both budding photographers and seasoned professionals looking to expand their reach. The special prizes, such as the BBK Mendi Film Poster Prize, also provide a unique opportunity for photographers to have their work showcased at a renowned international film festival.
Lastly, entering CVCEPHOTO is a way to engage with a global community of outdoor and mountain sports enthusiasts.
For those interested in discovering more competitions like CVCEPHOTO, check our complete list of photography contests and challenges to enter around the world.
CVCEPHOTO 2025 promises to be a remarkable contest for photographers with a passion for mountain sports and outdoor adventure, providing opportunities for recognition, networking, and the potential for lucrative rewards.