Contents
Think your lens can tell a story that captivates global audiences? The KBr Photo Award 2025 is a biennial, international photography prize that transforms raw vision into recognized artistry—offering a €25,000 cash award, two major exhibitions, and a companion catalogue. Open until 1 September 2025, this edition invites visionary photographers to submit unseen projects under any theme, with a preference for documentary approaches. With entry open worldwide and no fees, it stands out among the most sought-after best photography contests to participate, promising both financial support and professional exposure.
Presented by Fundación MAPFRE at Barcelona’s prestigious KBr Centre, the third edition of the Award is open to professional and emerging photographers aged 18 and above who wish to launch new or unfinished series. Entrants must complete an online form with personal ID, CV, project abstract, full proposal and a selection of 10–15 high-resolution images, plus a recommendation letter. Submissions are accepted from 1 June to 1 September 2025. The judging process will unfold in two phases: a pre-selection committee followed by an international jury announcement in October 2025. This comprehensive support package—combining cash, exhibitions in Barcelona (February 2027) and Madrid (May 2027), and an accompanying catalogue—underscores the Award’s career-building potential.
As a landmark celebration of contemporary photography and one of Deartline’s leading free photography contests, the KBr Photo Award 2025 offers storytellers a chance to elevate their practice on the world stage. Through a transparent two-step evaluation by seasoned experts, the contest delivers not only substantial recognition but also constructive mentorship during the ten-month project development phase. Winners benefit from guidance by Fundación MAPFRE’s photography team, a high-profile exhibition schedule in Barcelona and Madrid, and a richly produced catalogue. For those aiming to transform creative vision into a lasting professional credential, this Award presents an exceptional, fact-driven opportunity unmatched by many others.
The KBr Photo Award 2025 Prizes
The KBr Photo Award 2025 winner receives a comprehensive prize package designed to support the development and presentation of a new photographic project.
- 1st Prize:
- €25,000 gross to develop the winning project within ten months
- Production and curation of two solo exhibitions
- February 2027 at Espai 2, KBr Barcelona Photo Center
- May 2027 at Fundación MAPFRE in Madrid
- Professionally published catalogue accompanying the exhibitions
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the KBr Photo Award 2025
The KBr Photo Award 2025 does not divide entries into distinct thematic categories. Instead, submissions can explore any photographic genre, although the jury favors a documentary perspective—underscoring its significance within the realm of documentary photography competitions.
KBr Photo Award 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Key dates for the KBr Photo Award 2025 are outlined below:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Period | 1 June 2025 – 1 September 2025 |
| Winner Announcement | October 2025 |
| Creation of Winning Project | November 2025 – August 2026 |
| Barcelona Exhibition | February 2027 |
| Madrid Exhibition | May 2027 |
Entry Fee: Free of charge.
As one of the free photo competitions listed on Deartline, the KBr Photo Award 2025 requires no entry fee, making it accessible to photographers worldwide.
How to Enter:
Submit your project via the online form, including: – A copy of valid ID (passport or national ID). – CV and contact details. – Project title and 100-word abstract. – Full project description (PDF). – A curated selection of 10–15 JPGs (min. 300 dpi; shorter side ≥ 2000 px). – One professional recommendation letter. Entries must be in English or Spanish and be fully submitted by 1 September 2025.
About the Jury
- Diane Dufour, Co-Director of LE BAL, Paris
- Ramón Reverté, Publisher and Creative Director at Editorial RM (Mexico City & Barcelona)
- Krzysztof Candrowicz, Independent Curator
- Gabriela Urtiaga, Chief Curator, Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Los Angeles
- Carlos Gollonet, Chief Curator of Photography at Fundación MAPFRE
Why Enter the KBr Photo Award 2025?
The KBr Photo Award 2025 stands out among photography competitions and awards thanks to its combination of substantial financial backing, international exhibition opportunities and catalogue publication. With mentorship from Fundación MAPFRE’s photography team and visibility in two major Spanish cultural hubs, winners gain both a competitive edge and a lasting professional credential. For photographers seeking to elevate their profile and engage with a global audience, this Award offers an unparalleled, fact-based pathway to career advancement.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the KBr Photo Award 2025 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
Entries must be original, unpublished, and not submitted to similar competitions. Candidates must be over 18 and have at least one prior solo exhibition or publication. Submission materials must comply with size and format requirements, and incomplete entries will be disqualified. Finalists will be asked to provide up to three publications for jury review at their own expense.
Copyright and Image Usage
By accepting the prize, the winner cedes reproduction, distribution and public communication rights to Fundación MAPFRE for prize promotion, exhibition and catalogue purposes. The winner must not exhibit or publish the project before its official presentation and agrees to donate at least ten works to the Foundation’s collection.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
