Organizer Information
The Berlin Photo Awards (BPA) is an international photography competition platform based in Berlin, designed to recognize, promote, and amplify photographic talent from across the world. The initiative functions as a global showcase rather than a traditional institution, operating through an open-call competition model that welcomes submissions from professionals, emerging photographers, amateurs, and students alike.
The organization positions itself within the contemporary photography ecosystem as a visibility-driven award platform, focusing on both artistic and career development outcomes. It collaborates with an international jury composed of established photographers, creative directors, and visual artists based primarily in Berlin and across Europe. These jurors bring diverse expertise spanning street photography, portraiture, documentary work, fashion, wedding photography, and experimental visual practices.
In addition to its award structure, the Berlin Photo Awards maintains partnerships with photography-related sponsors and cultural platforms. The initiative also extends its impact through exhibitions, digital publications, and online visibility campaigns, aiming to integrate winning works into the broader professional photography network. Its mission is explicitly oriented toward elevating photography as a contemporary art form while offering measurable career exposure for participants.
Title & Description
Berlin Photo Awards 2026 (BPA 2026) – International Photography Competition
The Berlin Photo Awards 2026 is an open-call international photography competition inviting photographers from all backgrounds to submit their strongest visual work across a wide range of curated categories. The purpose of the award is to identify outstanding photographic practice, reward creative excellence, and provide global exposure to selected artists.
Participants are invited to submit works that reflect personal vision, technical skill, and conceptual strength. The competition encourages both traditional and experimental approaches, covering genres such as documentary, fine art, street photography, portraiture, landscape, abstract imagery, and digitally created or mobile-based photography.
The program is structured around category-based submissions, allowing photographers to position their work within specific thematic or technical fields. Winning works are featured through a combination of digital exhibitions, published photobooks, award showcases, and international online promotion. The competition emphasizes visibility as a core outcome, with long-term exposure opportunities for winners across platforms and media features.
Categories
- Black and White Photography
- Cinematic Photography
- Automotive Photography
- Aerial & Drone Photography
- Sport Photography
- Wedding Photography
- Weather Photography
- Pet Photography
- Travel & Adventure Photography
- Astrophotography
- Long Exposure Photography
- Cityscapes & Skylines Photography
- Macro Photography
- Minimalist Photography
- Smartphone Photography
- Berlin Photography
- Family Photography
- Landscape Photography
- Underwater Photography
- Fashion Photography
- Open Theme
- Street Photography
- Architectural Photography
- Transportation Photography
- Wildlife Photography
- Documentary & Photojournalism
- Portrait Photography
- Concert Photography
- Abstract Photography
- Fine Art Photography
Eligibility
- Open to photographers worldwide (international participation accepted)
- Suitable for professionals, emerging artists, amateurs, and students
- No explicit age restriction is stated in the source
- Submissions are accepted across all photographic disciplines and styles
- Applicants may submit multiple works across multiple categories
Program Benefits & Awards
The Berlin Photo Awards 2026 offers a total prize pool of €4,000, along with extensive non-monetary benefits:
- Photographer of the Year (Grand Prize): €1,000 cash prize
- Category Winners: €100 per category winner
- Digital certificates and official recognition for winners and honorable mentions
- Inclusion in the Berlin Photo Awards Winners’ Exhibition at ERSTERERSTER Gallery
- Publication in the Berlin Photo Awards Digital Winners Photobook
- Global online exposure through website features and curated showcases
- Long-term visibility, including homepage placement and winners’ gallery features
- Potential media outreach, industry exposure, and professional recognition
- Career development opportunities, including networking with curators, collectors, and collaborators
Winners also receive extended promotional benefits, including ongoing visibility across platforms and structured international exposure campaigns.
Application Fee
- The fee for the first photo is €25.
- Each additional photo receives an automatic 10% discount.
- A single photo can be entered into multiple categories, with an additional fee of €10 per category.
Application Requirements
- Create a free account on the BPA platform
- Upload photographic work (single or multiple submissions allowed)
- Provide a title for each image
- Add a short description
- Select an appropriate category
- Submit entry through the online dashboard
Additional implied requirements:
- Digital image files in acceptable photographic formats
- Basic personal registration details via the user account system
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Super Early Bird Deadline (15% discount): 21 March 2026
- Early Bird Deadline (10% discount): 25 April 2026
- Final Submission Deadline: 27 June 2026
- Winners Announcement: 25 July 2026
Location
Berlin, Germany
Additional Details
- Participants may submit multiple works; discounts apply for additional entries
- Each additional submission or category entry receives a 10% discount
- Winning works receive long-term homepage visibility and promotional features
- Jury consists of international Berlin-based photographers and visual artists
- Emphasis is placed on both artistic merit and technical execution
- The award prioritizes global exposure and professional career development rather than only monetary gain
- Works may be featured in curated exhibitions, digital publications, and promotional campaigns