Entries open for Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award honors women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming journalists demonstrating courage and dedication in challenging reporting environments. Winners receive public recognition, a cash prize of $20,000, and showcase opportunities. Submissions require 12 authentic photographs and a candidate statement, with strict guidelines emphasizing ethics, authorship, and journalistic integrity.

Overview of the Award

The award celebrates journalistic courage, dedication, and storytelling in high-risk or challenging environments. It aims to provide visibility, recognition, and financial support to journalists whose work exemplifies the values of Anja Niedringhaus.

Eligibility

• Open to women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming journalists working full-time in journalism as their primary profession

• Freelance journalists and those affiliated with media organizations are eligible

• Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by an editor, mentor, or peer

• Only one award submission per photographer

Nomination and Application Process

• Nominations can be submitted via full application or abbreviated Google Form

• Google Form deadline: March 31, 2026

• Submission through Picter required for jury consideration

• Nominees contacted after Google Form submission and encouraged to complete full application

Submission Requirements

Work Samples

• 12 photographs representing scope and style of work

• Six photos must be taken within the last two years (2024–2026); remaining six may be from any period

• Format: JPG, minimum 1500px on the longest side at 72 dpi

• Captions in English including date, place, and situation

• Submissions must not include: videos, art photography, illustrations, watermarks, photo grids, overlaid text, or images not taken by the candidate

Candidate Statement

• Maximum 500 words, in English

• Must not include candidate’s name or contact information

• Should address:

  • Stories told through the photographs

  • Conditions under which the candidate works

  • How the photos capture the scope of work

  • How career and work reflect Anja Niedringhaus’ values

Ethical and Technical Requirements

• Photographer must be the author and copyright holder or have authorization

• RAW or original files may be requested from finalists or winners

• Photos must not be manipulated beyond basic color, contrast, or light adjustments

• No staged, reenacted, or altered scenes

• Subjects must not be paid for participation

• Accurate captions including date and location required

• Submissions must not contain objectionable content or watermarks

• Award follows NPPA Code of Ethics

Award Details

• Cash prize: $20,000

• Public recognition and showcase opportunities

• Winners or honorees agree to participate in IWMF communications and allow fair use of images in portfolios

How to Apply

1. Self-nominate or be nominated by an editor, mentor, or peer

2. Complete the full application via Picter (Google Form only initiates nomination)

3. Submit 12 eligible photographs with proper captions

4. Include candidate statement up to 500 words

5. Ensure compliance with ethical, technical, and authorship requirements

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Submitting manipulated or staged photographs

• Including videos, illustrations, or watermarked images

• Failing to provide captions with complete date and location information

• Exceeding word count or including personal identifiers in statement

• Omitting recent photographs (six required from 2024–2026)

• Violating NPPA ethics or misrepresenting content origin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible? Women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming full-time journalists, including freelancers and media-affiliated journalists.

2. How many photos must be submitted? 12 photographs; six from the past two years.

3. Can nominations be submitted via Google Form? Yes, but full Picter submission is required for jury consideration.

4. Are videos or staged photographs allowed? No, only original, authentic photographs are accepted.

5. What is the award value? $20,000 plus public recognition and showcase opportunities.

6. Can a photographer submit more than once? No, only one submission per candidate is allowed.

7. What ethical standards apply? NPPA Code of Ethics; authenticity, accurate captions, and fair representation are mandatory.

Conclusion

The Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award recognizes and supports journalists who demonstrate exceptional courage and dedication in challenging reporting environments. By emphasizing ethical, authentic storytelling and providing visibility and financial support, the award honors the legacy of Anja Niedringhaus and inspires journalistic excellence worldwide.

For more information, visit IWMF.