The 18th Rovinj Photodays 2025 invites photographers worldwide to participate in its prestigious International Competition of Contemporary Photography. Running from January 13 to March 2, 2025, this contest offers photographers the chance to showcase their work across six distinct categories, compete for a €2,000 Grand Prix prize, and gain exposure through exhibitions and digital collections. Organized by the renowned Rovinj Photodays festival, the competition blends artistic recognition with practical opportunities for career growth, making it a standout event in the global photography calendar.
Themed around contemporary photography, the contest features six categories: Architecture, Documentary, Fashion, Landscape, Nude/Body, and Portrait. Each category welcomes diverse interpretations, from abstract architectural studies to intimate portraiture and social documentary work. Submissions must be created within the past two years and adhere to technical guidelines. The Grand Prix winner receives a €2,000 cash prize, a solo exhibition in 2026, and accommodations in Rovinj, while category finalists earn digital recognition, inclusion in a group exhibition, and a place in the festival’s permanent digital collection.
Key dates include the submission deadline (March 2, 2025), finalist announcements in April 2025, and the Grand Prix reveal during the festival finale in May 2025. Entry fees start at €20 for up to three submissions, with a maximum of nine entries per participant. The contest’s reputation, jury credibility, and exhibition opportunities add significant value.
To enter, photographers submit high-resolution images via the festival’s website, ensuring compliance with category rules and technical requirements. With its blend of exposure, professional validation, and networking potential, the Rovinj Photodays 2025 is a compelling opportunity for photographers seeking to elevate their work on an international stage.
The Rovinj Photodays 2025 Prizes
The competition balances financial rewards with career-building opportunities:
- Grand Prix Winner:
- €2,000 cash prize.
- Solo exhibition with a catalog at the 2026 festival.
- Complimentary stays at Island Hotel Katarina (2025 and 2026).
- Inclusion in the museum’s permanent collection (digital or print).
- Category Finalists:
- Group exhibition during the 2025 festival.
- Digital certificates and inclusion in the official catalog.
- Complimentary half-board accommodation for two at Island Hotel Katarina.
- All Finalists:
- Works displayed on the festival website and in the museum’s digital archive.
While the Grand Prix cash prize is notable, the lasting visibility through exhibitions and collections offers long-term value for emerging and established photographers alike.
The Categories of Rovinj Photodays 2025
The contest’s six categories cater to diverse photographic styles:
- Architecture: Focuses on interiors, exteriors, and abstract interpretations of structures.
- Documentary: Includes photojournalism, social issues, and travel photography.
- Fashion: Encompasses editorial, street fashion, and collaborative creative projects.
- Landscape: Celebrates natural and urban environments, emphasizing environmental narratives.
- Nude/Body: Explores human form, identity, and vulnerability.
- Portrait: Ranges from commissioned portraits to intimate personal projects.
Each category allows series submissions (up to 20 images), though curators may select partial series for exhibitions due to space constraints.
Rovinj Photodays 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
- Submission Period: January 13 – March 2, 2025.
- Entry Fees: €20 for 1–3 submissions. Participants may submit up to 9 entries total.
- Finalist Announcements: April 2025.
- Grand Prix Announcement: May 17, 2025, during the festival finale.
The streamlined entry process requires digital submissions (JPG format, 1200px longest side) via the festival’s online form.
About the Jury
A panel of respected professionals will judge entries, including:
- Sabina Salamon (Jury President): Senior Curator, MMSU Rijeka.
- Dubravka Lazić: Vice Dean, Academy of Arts Novi Sad.
- Dino Rekanović: Director, Rotlicht Analog Photography Festival.
- Steffania Rössl and Massimo Sordi: Directors of SIFEST.
- Hrvoje Slovenc: New York-based photographer.
- Ján Viazanička: Editor-in-Chief, dokumentmagazin.sk.
Their expertise ensures a fair evaluation based on creativity, technical skill, and thematic relevance.
Why Enter Rovinj Photodays 2025?
The Rovinj Photodays 2025 International Competition of Contemporary Photography offers photographers a compelling blend of visibility, credibility, and career growth. Participants gain global exposure through online showcases and physical exhibitions in Rovinj, ensuring their work reaches international audiences. The event’s reputable jury—comprising curators, festival directors, and acclaimed photographers—provides professional validation, a credential that strengthens portfolios and résumés. Beyond recognition, the festival finale serves as a hub for networking opportunities, connecting artists with industry leaders, curators, and peers.
Another standout benefit is portfolio longevity: finalists’ works are preserved in the festival’s permanent digital archive, ensuring lasting visibility within the museum’s collection. For photographers seeking structured, category-driven contests that prioritize contemporary storytelling, Rovinj Photodays 2025 distinguishes itself as one of the best photography contests online.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
