The Vienna International Photo Award 2026 (VIEPA 2026) is open for submissions and invites photographers from all over the world to share their most compelling work. The award has become one of Vienna’s most visible photography platforms, bringing together a broad community of creators and offering prizes that combine visibility, professional support and unique creative experiences. Selected entries will be exhibited during the Vienna Summer Photo Festival, giving participants a chance to present their work in one of Europe’s cultural capitals.
Entries can be submitted across themes ranging from nature and travel to black and white and street photography. The contest welcomes photographers of all levels, and the submission deadline is May 31, 2026. Participants may enter up to four images per category, which makes it possible to explore different approaches in a single edition.
With a prize pool that reaches up to €10,000, along with publication in the VIEPA PhotoBook and exhibition opportunities at VIEphoto, VIEPA 2026 remains a strong option for anyone looking to gain international visibility and connect with Vienna’s creative scene.
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The Vienna International Photo Award 2026 Prizes
VIEPA 2026 offers a set of prizes designed to give photographers both recognition and meaningful career support. The award combines creative opportunities, education and international exposure:
- Vouchers for luxury stays at B.EXCLUSIVE Holiday Homes in the USA, Austria and Norway
- Vouchers for professional photography workshops
- Inclusion in the official VIEPA PhotoBook
- Exhibition opportunities at VIEphoto during the Vienna Summer Photo Festival
- Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals
- Honorable Mentions
- Scholarships at LIK Academy for Photo and Media
These prizes combine practical benefits with lasting visibility through exhibition and publication, reinforcing the contest’s aim to support photographers at different stages of their careers.
The Categories of the VIEPA 2026
Vienna International Photo Award 2026 features a selection of categories that highlight different approaches to contemporary photography, allowing participants to submit work that best reflects their vision:
- Our World – The Beauty of Nature: landscapes, wildlife and environmental photography.
- Free Subject: an open theme category for creative freedom.
- Black & White: monochrome work across any subject matter.
- People & Portrait: portraits, lifestyle and human-centered photography.
- Travel Photography: cultural moments, places and scenes from around the world.
- Street / Live Photography: candid, spontaneous and documentary-style work.
- Night / Available Light: low light or nighttime photography.
- Student Award: for photography students worldwide.
Vienna International Photo Award 2026 Dates and Entry Fees
Key information for photographers considering entering the competition:
- Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
- Entry Fee: €12 per category entered
Each category accepts up to four images, and participants can enter as many categories as they wish. This structure allows photographers to explore different themes while keeping costs predictable.
How to Enter
To enter VIEPA 2026, photographers must create an account on the official submission platform. Once registered, they can upload their images, select the categories they wish to enter and finalize the payment. The submission interface is straightforward and supports multiple entries.
About the Jury
An experienced panel of photography professionals reviews all submissions. Judges evaluate entries based on artistic quality, creativity and technical execution. Their diverse backgrounds contribute to a balanced selection process that values strong visual storytelling in all its forms.
Why Enter Vienna International Photo Award 2026?
Entering VIEPA 2026 is an opportunity to participate in an international contest that keeps the focus on photographic quality and clarity of vision. With categories that span nature, travel, portraiture and street photography, the award offers room for many types of work, making it one of the most versatile photography contests to participate in this year.
The value of VIEPA lies not only in its prizes but also in the exposure it provides. Exhibiting at the Vienna Summer Photo Festival places photographers in front of an engaged audience, while publication in the PhotoBook creates a lasting record of their work. The contest’s connection to Vienna’s creative scene and its clear, well-structured format make it a strong choice for photographers who want visibility without unnecessary barriers.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Vienna International Photo Award 2026 has been generated automatically. If you plan to participate, please consult the full rules provided by the contest.
Rules
The competition is open to photographers from any country. Participants may submit up to four images per category. All entries must be submitted in JPEG format, without watermarks or identifying marks, and must follow the technical specifications on the official platform. Entry fees are non refundable.
Judging is anonymous. Decisions are made based on creativity, technique and originality. Jury decisions are final.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers keep full copyright over their images. By entering, they grant the organizers a limited, non exclusive license to use selected images for contest-related activities, including exhibitions, the official PhotoBook and promotional materials for current and future editions. Images will not be used commercially without the photographer’s explicit consent.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the official website.
