The Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025 is one of the most significant photography competitions in Georgia, attracting both emerging and established photographers from around the world. This annual contest, organized as part of the renowned KOLGA TBILISI PHOTO festival, provides a platform for photographers to showcase their talent and gain international recognition. Open from February 10, 2025, to March 15, 2025, this year’s competition offers a diverse range of categories, catering to various photographic styles and approaches. Participants can submit their work in Documentary Series, Reportage, Conceptual Photo Project, Best One-Shot (Single Image), and Mobile Photo (One Shot). Notably, the Conceptual Series category also allows AI-generated projects, reflecting the evolving landscape of photography.
The Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award features a total prize fund of $6,000, with category winners receiving substantial monetary awards. Winners will be announced on May 2, 2025, coinciding with a series of local and international exhibitions showcasing the best submissions. The competition is open to photographers worldwide, with no age restrictions. The entry fee is $30, which must be paid via credit card or PayPal.
Overall, the Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for photographers to gain exposure and recognition. The event’s prestige, expert jury panel, and exhibition opportunities make it a valuable contest to consider. Given its strong emphasis on documentary and conceptual photography, it is particularly well-suited for photographers exploring storytelling and artistic expression through their work.
The Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025 Prizes
The Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025 offers a total prize pool of $6,000, allocated among the winners of various categories. While the monetary awards may not be the highest in the industry, winning this competition can provide significant exposure and credibility in the photography world.
- Documentary Series Winner: $1,500
- Reportage Winner: $1,500
- Conceptual Photo Project Winner: $1,500
- Best One-Shot (Single Image) Winner: $1,000
- Mobile Photo (One Shot) Winner: $500
Winning entries will also be showcased in exhibitions and an annual online catalog, further amplifying the reach of the selected photographers.
The Categories of the Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025
The competition is divided into five key categories:
- Documentary Series: This category focuses on long-form visual storytelling, requiring photographers to submit a series of images that document real-life events, cultures, or personal narratives.
- Reportage: Aimed at capturing newsworthy moments, this category seeks impactful photojournalistic work.
- Conceptual Photo Project: Encourages artistic interpretations and innovative photographic approaches. AI-generated projects are also accepted in this category.
- Best One-Shot (Single Image): An open-themed category for powerful, standalone images that tell a compelling story in a single frame.
- Mobile Photo (One Shot): Dedicated to photography taken on mobile devices, showcasing the accessibility and immediacy of mobile photography.
Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Photographers interested in participating should take note of the following key dates:
- Submission Period: February 10 – March 15, 2025
- Shortlist Notification: By April 5, 2025
- Winners Announced: May 2, 2025
- Exhibitions: From May 2, 2025 (local and international)
Entry Fees:
- $30 flat fee (covers participation in all categories).
About the Jury
The Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025 jury panel includes experienced photographers, curators, and industry professionals from around the world:
- Nigel Dickinson (UK)
- Tina Schelhorn (Germany)
- Wolfgang Zurborn (Germany)
- Richard Bram (USA)
- Dina Oganova (Georgia)
- Vince Cianni (USA)
The jury will assess submissions based on originality, artistic merit, and storytelling impact.
Why Enter the Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025?
Participating in the Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2025 offers numerous benefits for photographers looking to expand their reach and gain recognition. The inclusion of categories like Documentary Series and Reportage makes it a standout among documentary photography competitions, while the Conceptual and Mobile categories welcome experimental and accessible approaches. Winning or even being shortlisted can significantly enhance a photographer’s profile, leading to new opportunities and industry exposure. Furthermore, the inclusion of local and international exhibitions ensures that the selected works receive public attention beyond just an online audience.
The credibility of the jury and the reputation of the contest make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s portfolio. With an accessible entry process and an emphasis on impactful storytelling, this competition is well worth considering for photographers seeking the best photo challenges to participate in.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
