The Istanbul Photo Awards 2025 is now open for entries, calling on professional photographers worldwide to showcase their best work. This internationally recognized competition invites professional photographers to document compelling narratives across diverse categories, from breaking news to extraordinary sports achievements, environmental transformations, and intimate human portraits.
Photographers can submit entries across ten dynamic categories: Single News, Story News, Single Sports, Story Sports, Single Nature & Environment, Story Nature & Environment, Single Portrait, Story Portrait, Single Daily Life, and Story Daily Life. The competition celebrates visual storytelling that transcends geographical boundaries, offering participants a chance to showcase their most impactful work.
Remarkable cash prizes await top talents, with the prestigious Photo of the Year award presenting a $6,000 grand prize. First-place winners in individual categories can earn up to $3,000, while second and third-place photographers receive significant financial recognition. Beyond monetary rewards, Istanbul Photo Awards 2025 winners gain invaluable international exposure through global exhibitions and a distinguished photobook distributed worldwide.
Entry remains completely free, allowing photographers to submit up to four single images or two comprehensive story series. From November 18, 2024, to January 10, 2025, visual storytellers have the opportunity to present narratives that illuminate our shared human experience, challenge perspectives, and document our rapidly changing world.
Additionally, if you’re interested in contests that require no entry fees, check out our curated selection of free photo contests online to find more exciting challenges to showcase your talent.
The Istanbul Photo Awards 2025 prizes
The Istanbul Photo Awards 2025 stands out for its significant cash rewards and global recognition. These prizes are highly sought after by photographers, not only for the financial gain but also for the exposure that comes with being featured among the best in photojournalism.
Prize Breakdown:
- Single News
1st Place (Photo of the Year): $6,000
2nd Place: $1,500
3rd Place: $1,000 - Story News, Single Sports, Story Sports, Single Nature & Environment, Story Nature & Environment, Single Portrait, Story Portrait, Single Daily Life, Story Daily Life
1st Place: $3,000
2nd Place: $1,500
3rd Place: $1,000
In addition to cash awards, winners will receive global recognition through exhibitions and publications, significantly boosting their professional profiles.
Themes and Categories of the Istanbul Photo Awards 2025
The Istanbul Photo Awards 2025 includes a wide range of categories, offering photographers the flexibility to submit their best work based on their areas of expertise:
- Single News: Capture impactful moments in breaking news.
- Story News: A series that delves into a significant news story.
- Single Sports: Highlight dramatic sports moments through single captures.
- Story Sports: Feature a series capturing the essence of sports events.
- Single Nature & Environment: Showcase the beauty and challenges of our natural world.
- Story Nature & Environment: Present a series emphasizing environmental issues.
- Single Portrait: Capture powerful portraits that convey deep emotion.
- Story Portrait: A series that tells a story through multiple portraits.
- Single Daily Life: Depict everyday scenes with striking imagery.
- Story Daily Life: Present a narrative of daily life through a cohesive series.
Each story submission must include exactly 10 images, while single entries are limited to one image per application. Photographers can submit up to four entries in single categories and two entries in story categories.
Istanbul Photo Awards 2025 dates and entry fees
Participation in the Istanbul Photo Awards 2025 is entirely free, allowing photographers worldwide to enter without financial barriers. Here’s a summary of the key dates:
- Submission Period: November 18, 2024 – January 10, 2025 (23:59 UTC+3)
- Winners Announcement: Date to be confirmed in early 2025
Entering the contest is straightforward. Participants need to upload their photographs with accurate IPTC metadata, including titles, descriptions, dates, and locations. No watermarks or digital signatures are allowed.
For those looking for other photography opportunities, you can explore the list of photography competitions available on our site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the contest?
The contest is open exclusively to professional photographers who earn a significant portion of their income from photography or regularly publish their work.
Is there a fee to enter?
No, participation is entirely free for all eligible photographers.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes, both freelancers and photographers affiliated with companies can enter.
What kind of photos can be submitted?
Photographs must be taken between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Both published and unpublished images are accepted, as long as they meet the contest’s ethical and technical standards.
Are there limits on digital editing?
Only basic color corrections are allowed. Photos with extensive digital manipulation, Photoshop effects, or added elements will be disqualified.
What are the requirements for captions?
Captions should be written in English, with a minimum of 50 characters. Each photograph should include details like who, what, where, and why, giving context to the image.
Can one photo be entered in multiple categories?
No, each photo can only be submitted to a single category.
For more information and to enter the Istanbul Photo Awards 2025, visit: the oficial website.
