Contents
Don’t miss your chance to claim the spotlight at the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award 2025! Organized by the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris, this pioneering global competition celebrates the art of self-published photobooks. Photographers and collectives from anywhere in the world may enter a book published between October 2024 and October 2025, provided at least ten copies have been printed and made available for sale online or in bookshops. Submissions run from July 9 to October 31, 2025, and the grand winner will receive a generous €8,000 reward, plus exhibition at a dedicated weekend event—easily one of Deartline’s top photography challenges online.
This open-call award follows a straightforward entry process: complete the online form with a 1,500‑character project presentation, technical details and a 1,000‑character biography; then mail a printed copy of the book to the Fondation’s Paris address, postmarked by the October 31 deadline. There is no entry fee; applicants simply cover shipping. A five‑member jury of photography and publishing experts will review submissions in December 2025, draw up a shortlist and announce the winner and runners‑up in January 2026. The winner will also be invited to participate in “Feuilletage,” a public program where they discuss image sequencing and design strategies.
By offering substantial financial backing and curated public programming, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award 2025 stands out as a must‑enter platform for independent authors. With publication criteria ensuring that eligible books have reached an audience and the foundation’s commitment to championing the photobook as an art form, this award offers not just a prize but an opportunity to elevate your work and connect with a global audience. Regardless of your level of experience, the award provides invaluable feedback and recognition, positioning winners within an influential cultural context.
The Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award Prizes
With an €8,000 cash prize at stake, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award ranks among Deartline’s photography contests with cash prizes.
- €8,000 cash award for the winning photobook author
- Participation in “Feuilletage”, a public program on book creation, sequencing and layout
- Feature at a dedicated weekend exhibition alongside shortlisted titles
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award
Unlike multi‑genre contests, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award focuses exclusively on the self‑published photobook as an art form. There are no separate categories; instead, the competition evaluates all entries against criteria of creativity, design coherence and independent distribution. This award is also part of Deartline’s free photography contests.
Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award Dates and Entry Fees
- Call for entries opens: July 9, 2025
- Call for entries closes: October 31, 2025
- Jury selection: December 2025
- Winner announcement: January 2026
- “Feuilletage” public program: January 23–26, 2026
Entry fee: Free (applicants cover shipping costs)
This award is listed among Deartline’s free photo competitions.
How to Enter:
To enter, complete the online application on the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson website, providing project details, technical specifications and a short biography. Then mail a printed copy of your self-published photobook—minimum ten copies printed and available for sale—to the foundation’s Paris address, postmarked by October 31, 2025.
About the Jury
A panel of five professionals from photography and publishing oversees the selection process. These jurors will evaluate each submission based on artistic quality, production values and distribution strategy.
Why Enter Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award 2025?
Enter this award to gain substantial financial support, with an €8,000 prize, and to participate in a dedicated public program that explores the craft of photobook creation. The foundation’s reputation lends prestige to winners, while the weekend exhibition amplifies visibility within the photography community. Moreover, in contrast to standard editorial photography competitions, winners enjoy a focused platform devoted entirely to the photobook medium. The structured timeline and clear photo contest deadlines ensure that participants can plan their projects effectively.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award 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
Submitting a photobook implies full acceptance of all conditions outlined by the foundation.
Applicants must complete the online form in English or French, ensuring all required materials—project presentation, technical details and biography—are included.
Postal submissions must be postmarked by October 31, 2025; any customs fees remain the applicant’s responsibility, and incomplete or late books will be disqualified.
Copyright and Image Usage
By submitting your book, you grant the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson the right to display, archive and feature the work during events and exhibitions.
All intellectual property rights remain with the author, but physical copies become the foundation’s property and will not be returned.
Review the full rules for details on reproduction, permissions and public engagement.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
