Deadline: 09-Jan-2026
The İstanbul Photo Awards 2026 invite professional photographers worldwide to submit impactful visual storytelling across multiple categories. With substantial cash prizes, a prestigious “Photo of the Year” nomination, and global recognition, the awards celebrate excellence in single images and story-based photography captured in 2025.
Overview of the İstanbul Photo Awards
The İstanbul Photo Awards support professional photographers in showcasing high-quality visual storytelling on a global stage. Entries are accepted in both Single and Story formats across the following categories:
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Nature & Environment
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Portrait
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Daily Life
Prize Structure and Recognition
The awards offer significant financial rewards to recognize professional excellence:
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Single News: 1st Prize – $6,000 (also nominated for “Photo of the Year”), 2nd Prize – $1,500, 3rd Prize – $1,000
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All Other Categories (Single and Story entries): 1st Prize – $3,000, 2nd Prize – $1,500, 3rd Prize – $1,000
This ensures photographers receive meaningful financial support whether they submit individual images or complete story-based projects.
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
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Open to professional photographers only.
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Submitted images must be captured in 2025.
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Each photographer can submit:
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Up to 4 single images
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Up to 2 stories, each consisting of 10 images
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The same image cannot appear in multiple categories.
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Only basic colour corrections are allowed.
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Photographers must own the copyright of their work.
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Submitted images must include accurate IPTC metadata and English captions.
Judging Criteria
An international jury evaluates submissions based on:
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Ethical standards and compliance
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Technical quality and composition
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Perspective and creativity
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Use of photographic equipment
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Newsworthiness and storytelling value
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Relevance to the year of capture (2025)
How to Apply
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Review eligibility criteria and category requirements.
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Prepare your images, ensuring proper IPTC metadata and English captions.
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Select up to four single images and/or two stories for submission.
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Submit all entries before the deadline 9 January 2026 via the official İstanbul Photo Awards portal.
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Ensure ownership of copyright and adherence to basic post-processing rules.
Tips for a Strong Submission
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Focus on storytelling and impact, not just technical perfection.
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Submit unique, previously unpublished images.
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Avoid submitting the same image across multiple categories.
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Ensure proper metadata and captioning to meet submission standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can amateurs submit to the İstanbul Photo Awards? No, only professional photographers are eligible.
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How many images can I submit per category? Up to four single images and two stories, with each story containing ten images.
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Are there restrictions on editing? Only basic colour corrections are allowed; major manipulation is prohibited.
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Do I retain copyright for my work? Yes, photographers retain copyright, though organisers may use images for promotional purposes.
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When is the application deadline? Submissions close on 9 January 2026.
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Can the same image be submitted in multiple categories? No, each image can only appear in one category.
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What makes a submission eligible for “Photo of the Year”? The 1st prize winner in Single News is automatically nominated for this prestigious title.
Why It Matters
The İstanbul Photo Awards offer global recognition, a financial boost, and a platform for professional photographers to highlight stories with social, environmental, and cultural significance. Winning or being nominated enhances credibility, visibility, and career opportunities in the international photography community.
Conclusion
The İstanbul Photo Awards 2026 provide professional photographers with the opportunity to showcase their work on a prestigious international platform, earn substantial prizes, and compete for the esteemed “Photo of the Year” recognition. Submissions must follow strict ethical, technical, and copyright guidelines, and the deadline is 9 January 2026. This program is an essential platform for photographers committed to impactful visual storytelling.
For more information, visit İstanbul Photo Awards.