Organizer Information
The Black and White Photo Awards is an international photography competition organized by NCJ Media Solutions, designed as a global platform to connect photographers working in monochrome image-making. The initiative brings together both professional and amateur photographers, positioning itself as a meeting point for practitioners who specialize in black and white visual storytelling.
The competition is structured to elevate the visibility of Photography as an artistic discipline, with a particular focus on monochrome aesthetics, composition, and narrative depth. Over time, the platform has expanded its international reach, aiming to become one of the leading global Photography awards. Its mission is not only to recognize artistic excellence but also to foster a global community of image-makers and encourage the evolution of black and white photographic practice.
Through partnerships with established photographers and industry professionals, the awards aim to ensure a high curatorial standard while maintaining accessibility for emerging talent worldwide.
Title & Description
Black and White Photo Awards 2026 – International Photography Competition
The Black and White Photo Awards 2026 is a global open call inviting photographers to submit monochrome works across multiple thematic categories. The competition celebrates artistic excellence in black and white image-making and seeks to discover outstanding photographic talent from around the world.
Running until June 15, 2026, the award functions as both a competition and an international showcase for contemporary Photography. Participants are invited to submit their strongest works in response to curated thematic categories, including an open theme that allows for broader artistic interpretation.
The competition emphasizes visual storytelling, technical mastery, and conceptual depth in monochrome imagery. Selected works will be evaluated by a professional jury composed of internationally recognized photographers, educators, and award-winning practitioners.
The initiative aims to build a global platform for black and white photography while offering substantial financial and professional incentives to participants.
Categories
This competition includes six thematic categories within Photography:
- Fauna and Flora
- Portrait Photography
- Street Photography
- Architecture Photography
- Documentary / Reportage Photography
- Open Theme
Each category functions as an independent competitive track, allowing photographers to submit work across multiple visual genres while maintaining a focus on monochrome aesthetics.
Eligibility
- Open internationally (global participation)
- Accessible to both amateur and professional photographers
- No age restrictions mentioned
- Individual submissions only (no institutional restriction)
- Open to all practitioners of Photography, regardless of training or background
Program Benefits & Awards
- €1,500 cash prize for the overall winner
- €200 prize for the best photograph in each category (6 categories total)
- Special access to Retouch4me AI editing software for selected category winners
- Inclusion in an annual printed award book featuring winning and finalist works
- Exhibition and publication visibility through international distribution
- 30 finalist selections across categories
- At least 15 honorable mentions
The awards aim to combine financial recognition with long-term visibility in the global photography community.
Application Fee
€15/Category
Application Requirements
- Personal information (name, contact details)
- High-resolution photographic works in black and white
- Category selection for each submitted image
- Optional artist statement or project description
- Series or single-image submissions accepted, depending on category rules
- Online submission through the competition platform
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
- Selection / Jury Evaluation: Mid–Late 2026 (exact date not specified)
- Award Announcement: Not Specified
- Publication / Book Release: Post-selection 2026–2027
Location
Online
Additional Details
- Juried by an international panel of award-winning photographers and educators
- Focus on monochrome artistic excellence and visual storytelling
- 30 finalists selected across all categories
- Works may be featured in an annual printed publication
- Strong emphasis on global visibility and professional recognition
- Includes both professional and emerging practitioners
- Competition positions itself as a long-term platform for expanding opportunities in black and white Photography