Organizer Information
The Marta Hoepffner-Gesellschaft für Fotografie e.V. is a German non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of artistic black-and-white photography. Established to honor the legacy of Marta Hoepffner, the society actively supports emerging photographers through exhibitions, awards, and public programming. Its mission is both commemorative and forward-looking: to maintain Hoepffner’s influence in photographic discourse while showcasing contemporary developments in monochrome photography.
In 2026, the organization marks its 25th anniversary, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to fostering early-career talent and presenting their work to wider audiences through institutional partnerships and curated exhibitions.
Title & Description
Marta Hoepffner Prize for Photography 2026 – Theme: “Behind the Mirror”
The Marta Hoepffner Prize for Photography 2026 invites emerging professional photographers to submit black-and-white photographic works responding to the theme “Behind the Mirror.” This concept positions the mirror as a metaphorical and conceptual device—symbolizing reflection, duality, perception, and the interplay between reality and illusion. Artists are encouraged to explore how mirrors can reveal hidden narratives, distort familiar perspectives, or expose suppressed experiences.
The open call welcomes a wide range of conceptual interpretations, allowing participants to engage with introspection, identity, memory, and perception. Whether literal or abstract, the mirror becomes a tool for visual inquiry, enabling photographers to question the boundaries between inner and outer worlds.
Selected works will be presented in a curated exhibition, culminating in the awarding of the main prize during the official ceremony. The exhibition also coincides with a retrospective presentation of past prize winners, offering participants contextual visibility within the history of the award.
Categories
- Photography
- Black-and-White Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Documentary Photography
- Experimental Photography
- Portrait, Landscape, Architecture, Still Life
Eligibility
This open call is designed for emerging professional photographers and artists at an early stage of their careers. Eligible applicants include:
- Professional photographers within the first five years of their career
- Artists working with photography as their primary medium
- Students enrolled in photography or related disciplines (minimum 4th semester)
- Trainees in their final year of professional training
The call is open internationally, provided applicants meet the professional or academic criteria. There are no explicit nationality restrictions.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Main Prize: €3,000 awarded to one selected artist
- Exhibition Opportunity: Selected works will be exhibited at the Stadtmuseum Hofheim am Taunus
- Professional Exposure: Inclusion in a curated exhibition alongside the winning work
- Publication: All exhibiting artists receive two complimentary copies of the exhibition catalogue
- Institutional Recognition: Selection by an independent jury of leading photography professionals
Application Fee
€25 participation fee
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- 3 to 5 black-and-white photographic works
- Works must be no older than two years
- Accepted formats:
- High-quality analog prints (e.g., baryta, fine art processes)
- High-quality digital prints
- Maximum size: 40 x 50 cm (unframed)
- Submission can be a series or individual works
Additional materials may include:
- Completed application form
- Artist CV
- Contact information
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
- Jury Decision: May 2026
- Award Ceremony & Exhibition Opening: 12 July 2026
Location
Additional Details
- The jury consists of prominent professionals from leading German art and photography institutions, ensuring a high level of curatorial and critical evaluation.
- The jury’s decision is final and legally binding; no appeals process is available.
- The 2026 edition coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Marta Hoepffner Society, increasing the visibility and institutional relevance of the exhibition.
- The thematic openness allows for both conceptual and formal experimentation, making it particularly relevant for artists working across hybrid or interdisciplinary photographic practices.