Vivian Maier’s photography was a secret discovered by chance, but her influence is now a global phenomenon. The Vivian Maier International Photo Competition 2026 honors this heritage by inviting photographers to engage directly with her artistic spirit. Organized by the Association Vivian Maier et le Champsaur, the 11th edition of this event challenges participants to interpret a specific and evocative theme: “Vivian Maier’s Legacy”.
If you are exploring a list of photography competitions for a challenge that tests your eye rather than your gear, this is it. This competition has a strict constraint: it accepts only Black and White images. This requirement forces entrants to strip away the distraction of color and focus on the raw elements of composition, light, and emotion that defined Maier’s work.
The deadline is set for February 1, 2026. This contest is open to the general public with no age limit, offering an opportunity to have your work associated with the Maison de la Photographie Vivian Maier in the French Alps, the region of her maternal ancestry.
Contents
The Vivian Maier International Photo Competition Prizes
The rewards for this Vivian Maier International Photo Competition focus on cultural recognition and exhibition within a prestigious historical context. The selected works will be showcased in the region where Vivian Maier’s family roots lie, connecting contemporary photographers with her history.
Awards and Recognition:
Six specific prizes will be awarded to the most outstanding entries:
- Grand Prix 2026: Chosen by the jury.
- 2nd Prize: Selected by the jury.
- 3rd Prize: Selected by the jury.
- Association Prize
- Favorite of the President
- Favorite of the Organizers
Exhibition:
The works selected by the jury will be featured in a slideshow presentation during the results announcement and will be used to animate exhibitions at the Maison de la Photographie Vivian Maier in Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur. This provides a tangible platform for your work to be seen by visitors dedicated to the photographic arts.
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The Categories of the Vivian Maier International Photo Competition
The Vivian Maier International Photo Competition does not feature multiple categories but rather a single, unified challenge defined by its medium and theme.
Category: Single Black and White Image
Participants must submit one single photograph in black and white. The image must interpret the theme “Vivian Maier’s Legacy”. This broad theme invites you to explore the subjects Maier herself loved: street photography, candid portrait work, self-portraiture, or the geometry of urban life.
Vivian Maier International Photo Competition Dates and Entry Fees
The competition operates on a concise schedule with a single deadline.
Deadline: February 1, 2026.
Entry Fees:
To support the running of the Association and the sustainability of the competition, a symbolic contribution of €2 is requested (donation) during the submission process.
How to Enter
Participation is handled via the online form on the competition website. You must submit a single digital file in JPEG format. The file size must be under 2MB, with the longest side measuring exactly or approximately 1920 pixels. Crucially, the photograph must be anonymous, it must not contain any watermarks, signatures, or identifying marks, as the judging is blind.
About the Jury
The jury is composed of three qualified personalities in the field of photography, recognized for their ability to appreciate and analyze the work of Vivian Maier. They will rate each anonymous file on a scale of 20, with a maximum combined score of 60. Their criteria include originality, technical execution, and emotional power, looking for images that perpetuate the visionary spirit of Maier.
Why Enter Vivian Maier International Photo Competition?
Among the best photography contests for black and white purists, this event offers a unique spiritual connection to a master of the craft. Winning or being selected means your work becomes part of the ongoing conversation about Vivian Maier’s impact on the art form.
The exhibition at the Maison de la Photographie is a significant honor, placing your work in a location of historical importance. With a practically non-existent barrier to entry, it invites you to test whether your vision can stand alongside the legacy of one of the 20th century’s greatest photographers.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Vivian Maier International Photo Competition 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 authors are solely responsible for all rights relating to the works they present. By participating, you agree that the Association Vivian Maier et le Champsaur may use the submitted photographs for the purpose of hosting exhibitions, publishing them on its website and social media, and promoting the competition in press outlets. No remuneration is provided for this usage, which is strictly non-commercial in the context of the association’s activities.
General Rules
The competition is open to the general public with no age limit. However, jury members and organizers are not eligible. Each participant may submit only one image. Any file that does not meet the anonymity or format requirements will be disqualified before reaching the jury. AI-generated images are not explicitly mentioned in the snippet but the spirit of the contest focuses on “Vivian Maier’s Legacy,” implying traditional photographic capture.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
