
The Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 is one of the most anticipated international free photography competitions, offering a unique platform for both professional and emerging photographers to showcase their talent. Organized biennially since 2013 by Felix Schoeller, a renowned manufacturer of specialty papers for high-quality photographic reproductions, this award celebrates exceptional photography that demonstrates creativity, technical excellence, and conceptual depth. With no entry fees and a focus on high-quality imagery, the contest is accessible to photographers worldwide.
The competition features three distinct categories: Sustainability, Emerging Photographer, and the German Peace Prize for Photography. Each category has its own theme and criteria, catering to a diverse range of photographic styles and subjects. The Sustainability category highlights works that address the sustainable development of our planet and society, while the Emerging Photographer category is dedicated to nurturing young talent. The German Peace Prize for Photography, awarded in collaboration with the City of Osnabrück, honors works that conceptually explore the theme of peace through photography.
Winners of the Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 will receive significant recognition, including cash prizes, publication in the award’s online gallery, and participation in a high-quality exhibition. The German Peace Prize for Photography comes with a cash prize of €10,000, while the Sustainability and Emerging Photographer categories each offer €5,000. Additionally, shortlisted and nominated works will be featured in social media campaigns and showcased at the awards ceremony in Osnabrück, Germany.
The submission period for the Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 runs from January 20, 2025, to April 5, 2025. The judging process will take place between May and July 2025, with the shortlist announced on June 27, 2025, and the winners revealed at the awards ceremony on September 25, 2025. This contest is an excellent opportunity for photographers to gain international exposure and recognition for their work.
The Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 Prizes
The prizes for the Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 are designed to reward excellence in photography while providing winners with opportunities to showcase their work on a global stage. Each category offers unique rewards, ensuring that both professional and emerging photographers are recognized for their contributions to the art form.
- German Peace Prize for Photography: The winner of this prestigious category will receive a cash prize of €10,000. Additionally, their work will be published in the award’s online gallery, featured in social media campaigns, and exhibited in a high-quality exhibition in Osnabrück.
- Sustainability: The winner of this category will be awarded €5,000, along with publication in the online gallery, social media exposure, and inclusion in the exhibition.
- Emerging Photographer: This category, dedicated to young talent, also offers a cash prize of €5,000, alongside the same opportunities for publication and exhibition as the other categories.
In addition to the cash prizes, all shortlisted and nominated entrants will have their work published in the award’s online gallery and featured in social media campaigns. Nominated photographers will also receive an invitation to the awards ceremony, providing a valuable opportunity to network with industry professionals and peers.
The Categories of the Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025
The Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 is divided into three categories, each with its own focus and criteria:
- Sustainability: This category honors works that address the sustainable development of our planet and society. Photographers are encouraged to explore themes related to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and ethical practices. Both artistic and conceptual approaches are welcome, with an emphasis on high-quality imagery and a clear, compelling narrative.
- Emerging Photographer: Dedicated to young talent, this category is open to photographers who are currently enrolled in degree programs, undergoing professional training, or working as photographic assistants. There are no thematic restrictions, allowing participants to showcase their unique vision and creativity.
- German Peace Prize for Photography: This category celebrates works that conceptually and artistically interpret the theme of peace. Photographers are free to explore diverse interpretations of peace, from global conflicts to personal inner tranquility. The winning entry will receive the highest cash prize and be featured prominently in the award’s exhibitions and publications.
Felix Schoeller Photo Award Dates and Entry Fees
The Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 is free to enter, making it accessible to photographers from all backgrounds. Key dates for the competition are as follows:
- Submission Deadline: April 5, 2025
- Online Judging: May 1, 2025 – June 8, 2025
- Shortlist Announcement: June 27, 2025
- Final Jury Sessions: July 28, 2025 – July 29, 2025
- Nominees Announcement: August 12, 2025
- Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Opening: September 25, 2025
Participants are required to submit a concept outline (up to 1,000 characters) and a CV (up to 2,000 characters) along with their photographic work. Each entry must consist of 3 to 5 individual photographs, which can be part of a series or unrelated images that follow a cohesive concept.
About the Jury
The Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 will be judged by two independent juries composed of experts from the fields of photography, photojournalism, academia, and museums. The juries will evaluate entries based on criteria such as creativity, conceptual strength, composition, and technical perfection. The judging process is rigorous and anonymized to ensure fairness and transparency.
Why Enter the Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025?
The Felix Schoeller Photo Award 2025 offers photographers a unique opportunity to gain international recognition and showcase their work to a global audience. With no entry fees and significant photography challenge prizes and rewards, the competition is accessible to both professional and emerging photographers. The award’s emphasis on high-quality imagery and conceptual depth makes it a prestigious platform for those looking to elevate their careers in photography.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.