Feeling ready to see your work in print? The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence 2025 has just launched, in collaboration with world-renowned publisher GOST Books, to celebrate exceptional long-form documentary photography. This unique award invites established photographers whose in-depth projects are nearing completion to compete for a bespoke clothbound photobook, a £5,000 grant, and an expenses-paid trip to Italy to oversee printing in Verona. The competition opens on 1 July 2025 and closes on 31 August 2025, so prepare your strongest narrative series now.
Entrants must be 18 or older and submit a short biography, a concise book-project synopsis, and up to 40 representative JPG images (minimum 1,500 px on the longest side). Each entry incurs a £50 fee. As one of the best photo challenges to participate, this award balances rigorous professional standards with streamlined digital submission.
Selected artists will gain global exposure through a GOST Books-published photobook, coverage in The Guardian, and promotion via IPPG’s social channels. Judging takes place in September 2025, with the recipient announced on 10 October 2025. By combining book production, financial support, and high-profile media spotlight, The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence 2025 offers a fact-based springboard for documentary storytellers aiming to expand their reach.
The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence Prizes
All prizes are awarded to the single recipient of the award and include:
- GOST Books Photobook: A bespoke clothbound hardcover photobook, produced in collaboration with GOST Books and distributed worldwide.
- £5,000 Project Grant: £5,000 awarded in two equal installments to support completion of the project.
- Printing Trip to Italy: An expenses-paid trip to Verona to review and amend book proofs alongside GOST’s Director.
- Media and Network Exposure: Work published by The Guardian and promoted via IPPG’s social media channels, plus access to the IPPG judges, advisory committee, and alumni network.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence
All entries must align with the single theme of long-form documentary photography, showcasing a cohesive project that merits book-length treatment and deep journalistic or narrative exploration.
The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence Dates and Entry Fees
- Submission Opens: 1 July 2025
- Submission Closes: 31 August 2025 (23:59 BST)
- Judging Period: September 2025
- Recipient Announcement: 10 October 2025
Entry Fee: £50 per entry
How to Enter:
Visit the submission page. Prepare a one-page biography, a concise project synopsis, and up to 40 JPG images (1,500 px on the longest side). Pay the £50 entry fee per submission and upload all materials before 31 August 2025.
Why Enter The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence?
Winning this award grants you a professionally produced GOST Books photobook, substantial financial backing, and international visibility—in print and online. The combination of a bespoke publication, a £5,000 grant, an Italy trip, and high-profile media coverage creates an unrivaled platform for long-form storytellers. For those seeking more current photo contests, Deartline’s global listings include this and other top opportunities.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence 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
Entrants must be 18 or older and submit original, non-AI images. Up to 40 JPG files (1,500 px on the longest side) comprising your documentary project are allowed. Each entry incurs a £50 fee. Submissions must arrive by 31 August 2025, 23:59 BST. Late entries are not accepted.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers retain full copyright of their work. By entering, you grant IPPG and GOST Books a non-exclusive license to use submitted images for promotional and educational activities in all media. Unselected files are deleted after judging. Winners agree to a separate contract granting GOST exclusive distribution rights for the published photobook edition.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
