Fine Art / Open
Monochrome Photography Awards
The two overall winners receive US$2,000 and US$1,000. Most other recognition is publication, certificates and titles, so the value depends on how much that context matters to your work.
Our assessment · Worth considering
A credible monochrome showcase, best approached with a small and deliberate paid entry.
We would consider one or two particularly convincing black-and-white photographs, with a fixed spending limit. The contest has identifiable published results and a clear distinction between professional and amateur entrants. It is less persuasive as a reason to submit a large archive or buy many category placements. Our test is whether a picture's tonal structure, timing or idea would still justify the entry after setting aside the possibility of a badge. [1][3][5]
A good fit for
- Adult photographers with self-owned black-and-white or toned images who want judged recognition in a specific monochrome context. [2]
Think carefully if
- Entrants seeking a cash award for every category win, guaranteed print reproduction for an honorable mention, or individual critique. [4]
Photo Competitions’ editorial judgement · 2026 awards · Reviewed 4 Oct 2026
What you will actually pay
Entry costs, explained.
Final-period entry: US$27 professional or US$22 amateur per single entry; no free youth route.
| Entry route | Cost | Who and what it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Professional single entry | US$27 | Photographers earning at least half their income from photography. [1][3] |
| Amateur single entry | US$22 | Photography is not the entrant's main income; same adult eligibility rules. [1][3] |
The deadline page lists these rates for the final 2026 period. Three entries therefore cost US$81 professional or US$66 amateur before any payment-provider currency costs. We found no current free submission route or published bundle on that page. Do not treat an unlimited entry allowance as a reason to spend without a limit. [1]
The FAQ permits the same image in multiple categories, but says entries cannot be changed after payment and fees are nonrefundable. Finalise the edit and category choice before paying. [3]
Black and white across thirteen categories
The category list ranges from Architecture, Landscape and Wildlife to Conceptual, Photomanipulation, Nude and Photojournalism. Professional and amateur divisions each have their own overall title. This is broad enough for documentary, constructed and experimental work; category choice provides context for how an image should be understood. [4]
The published judging criteria concern artistic merit, originality, subject and style. Our advice is to avoid choosing an entry simply because it converts attractively to monochrome. Ask what the removal of colour contributes to the picture: clearer form, a particular atmosphere, or a more deliberate reading of its subject. [2]
Outside coverage of specific awarded photographs
Tuoi Tre News reported Vietnamese photographer Phi Long's honorable mention in the 2025 Amateur Conceptual category. Its article describes The Reach and illustrates the category's first three places, including Ali Zolghadri's Confrontation. This is useful independent confirmation that results receive coverage beyond the competition's own gallery. [5]
The report concerns particular photographers and pictures; it is not an audit of book circulation or a promise that every award will attract press. We would use the gallery to judge artistic fit and regard any further editorial attention as an additional possibility. [5][4]
Two cash prizes, many noncash distinctions
The professional overall winner receives US$2,000 and the amateur overall winner US$1,000. Category first, second and third places receive online gallery exposure, book publication, a logo and certificate. Honorable mentions receive online recognition and their names in the book; only selected additional images are reproduced. [4]
Cash is paid through PayPal, with foreign-transfer fees deducted. A book credit can be a useful record of achievement, but it is different from cash or a commissioned publication. The prize schedule does not assign each category winner an additional payment. [2][4]
The professional threshold is income-based
The FAQ uses at least half of income from photography for the professional division. It allows previously published images and photographs awarded elsewhere, and imposes no capture-date restriction. Digitally manipulated work is accepted within a broadly worded reason-and-taste standard. [3]
Formal terms say entrants must be over 18. Film, digital and toned monochrome work qualify. Images must be the entrant's original work, with the necessary permissions for depicted people. The reviewed text does not provide a precise modern AI policy, so do not interpret its general manipulation allowance as automatic permission for generated content. [2][3]
Retained copyright with an irrevocable contest licence
All entries grant a worldwide, non-exclusive, irrevocable licence connected with the competition. Awarded high-resolution images can be used without further payment in contest publicity, with credit. The terms restrict use to promoting the awards, prohibit resale and say third-party requests will be forwarded to the photographer. [2]
That purpose restriction makes the licence more proportionate than an unrestricted commercial permission, in our view. Its ongoing nature still matters if you later want exclusive control over publication. Choose an entry whose continued association with the award you are comfortable accepting. [2]
Prepare the final file before payment
The final deadline is 15 November 2026; results are scheduled for 3 January 2027. The fee page does not state a closing timezone, so submit ahead of the final date rather than relying on a local midnight assumption. [1]
Upload through the official account system. The entry JPEG must have a 1,200-pixel long side, use sRGB or Adobe98 in 8-bit form, and have no watermark or border. Winners need a high-resolution file at least 3,000 pixels wide at 300 dpi. Keep that master available when selecting the entry. [2]
Details still worth checking.
A closing timezone and a specific AI-generation policy are not supplied in the reviewed pages. The formal age phrase is over 18, not an explicit inclusive 18-plus cutoff. [1][2][3]
The evidence behind this review
Sources & last checked.
Fees, rules and prize details come from the organiser. Independent reporting supports our assessment of reputation; it does not guarantee publicity or a return on your entry fee.
- 2026 fees and deadlineOrganiser source · Checked 4 Oct 2026
- Entry, judging and rights termsOrganiser source · Checked 4 Oct 2026
- Entrant FAQ and professional definitionOrganiser source · Checked 4 Oct 2026
- Categories and individual awardsOrganiser source · Checked 4 Oct 2026
- Tuoi Tre News: 2025 awarded workIndependent reporting · Checked 4 Oct 2026
Dates, fees and terms can change. Read the current rules on the official competition website before entering.