In a world saturated with scrolling feeds, the photobook remains the ultimate vessel for photographic permanence. The Photometria Photobook Open Call 2026 is now accepting submissions, inviting artists and publishers globally to present their physical creations. Organized within the framework of the 18th Photometria International Photography Festival, this call is a celebration of the book as an object, seeking works that demonstrate a strong curatorial vision and high production values, whether they are polished limited editions or raw, handmade zines.
For photographers searching for a list of photo competitions that value the tactile experience of photography, this open call is essential. It connects your work directly with key players in the European photobook market, including representatives from XYZ Books and Zoetrope Athens. This event focuses on the “reading” of photography, offering selected artists a dual exhibition in Ioannina and Athens, ensuring their work is handled and appreciated by a diverse audience.
The submission window is brief and specific: from January 15 to February 20, 2026. This is your opportunity to have your publication archived in the Photometria Photography Center’s library and exhibited during one of Greece’s most prominent photography festivals this autumn. Whether you are a self-publisher or an established artist, this call offers a tangible platform for your visual narratives.
Contents
The Photometria Photobook Open Call Prizes
The primary reward for this Photometria Photobook Open Call 2026 is significant physical visibility through exhibitions and permanent archiving. The organizers prioritize the dissemination of the selected publications to the widest possible audience.
- Dual Exhibition:
Selected photobooks will be exhibited at the Photometria Photography Center in Ioannina, Greece, from September 26 to November 29, 2026. Following this, the exhibition will travel to ZOETROPE Athens, a key cultural hub in the capital, extending the reach of your work. - Permanent Archive:
Upon completion of the exhibitions, the selected books will be cataloged and added to the Photometria Photography Center’s Public Photographic Library. This ensures that your work remains accessible to researchers, students, and photography enthusiasts long after the festival concludes.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Photometria Photobook Open Call
Photometria Photobook Open Call operates under an open theme regarding the subject matter of the photography. The “categories” are defined by the format of the publication. The call welcomes:
- Self-Published Books: Independent projects where the artist controls the entire production process.
- Artist Books: Works where the book itself is the art object.
- Limited Editions: Small-run publications.
- Zines and DIY Publications: Low-cost, experimental, or handmade formats.
Whether your book features documentary essays, fine art portfolios, or conceptual narratives, it is eligible as long as it falls within the realm of the photobook.
Photometria Photobook Open Call Dates and Entry Fees
The timeline for this event allows ample time for physical submissions to arrive. Participants should account for shipping times to Greece when planning their entry.
- Submission Window: January 15 – February 20, 2026.
- Festival Dates: September 26 – November 29, 2026.
Entry Fees:
There is a participation fee of 20€ for each submitted book.
How to Enter
Participation involves a digital submission process via WeTransfer by email. Your submission package must include:
- PDF with Technical Specifications: Title, Artist, Editor, Designer, Publisher, Year, Summary, Dimensions/Pages, and Printing/Binding methods.
- Digital Book: A PDF version of the full publication.
- Cover Image: A high-quality JPG file.
- Video Presentation: A short video (mp4, under 3 minutes) showing the physical book being handled to demonstrate its materiality.
- Payment Receipt: Proof of the 20€ entry fee payment.
If your work is selected, you will then be required to send the physical copy of the book by post to the festival in Ioannina by the end of May.
About the Jury
The Photometria Photobook Open Call 2026 jury panel consists of four distinguished figures in the photobook and festival circuit, ensuring a diverse and expert evaluation:
- Achilleas Tziakos: Co-Founder of the Photometria International Photography Festival.
- Yorgos Yatromanolakis: Represents Zoetrope Athens.
- Tiago Casanova: Represents XYZ Books, a renowned photobook publisher.
- Francesca Todde: Represents Depart Pour L’Image.
Why Enter Photometria Photobook Open Call?
For an artist or self-publisher, the biggest challenge is often distribution. The goal is getting the physical object out of the box and into the hands of an audience. Participating in this open call bridges that gap. It offers a tangible lifespan for your project. This transforms it from a private creation into a public exhibit showcased in two of Greece’s most vibrant cultural hubs, Ioannina and Athens.
Beyond the immediate exposure of the festival, this opportunity offers permanence. Acceptance into the Photometria Library means your work enters a permanent archive. This ensures it remains accessible to researchers, students, and curators for years to come. It is a way to write your publication into the history of the medium.
Furthermore, this initiative stands apart in a crowded field. While many of the best photography contests prioritize the isolated digital image, Photometria honors the photobook as a holistic art object. The submission process itself, which requires a video of the book being handled, demonstrates a profound respect for materiality, sequencing, and design. Receiving validation from a jury that includes industry leaders like Tiago Casanova (XYZ Books) serves as a powerful professional endorsement for any independent publisher.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Photometria Photobook Open Call 2026 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage Rights
The author retains full copyright of their work. By submitting, you grant Photometria Festival the right to exhibit the book and use images of it for promotional purposes related to the festival (website, social media, press releases). The physical books sent for the exhibition will remain in the P.P.C. library after the event and will not be returned.
General Rules
The call is open to photographers and artists worldwide. There are no restrictions on age or nationality. Publications can be of any size, format, or page count. However, they must be related to photography. The submission fee is non-refundable. Participants are responsible for the shipping costs of their physical books if selected.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
