Fine Art / Open
MonoVisions Photography Awards
MonoVisions suits photographers who already think in monochrome. A considered series is its most interesting route; paying for multiple categories needs a stricter budget than the promise of visibility might suggest.
Our assessment · Worth considering
A focused black-and-white showcase, with two cash winners and paid entry.
Our editorial judgement is to consider one carefully chosen entry if black-and-white work is central to your practice. Treat the fee as an expense for a judged opportunity, not an investment that ought to return publicity. We would first edit a sequence without looking at the prize amount: does every image develop the same idea, and is there a clear reason for removing colour? If the answer is weak, spending more on categories will not solve that problem. The documented winning work gives a useful benchmark, but copying its subjects or finish would miss the point. [1][3]
A good fit for
- A photographer with a coherent monochrome project who wants an external selection deadline to sharpen the edit. [1]
Photo Competitions’ editorial judgement · 2027 competition · Reviewed 4 Oct 2026
What you will actually pay
Entry costs, explained.
Paid: US$20 single / $25 series early; $25 / $30 final. Extra categories $10.
| Entry route | Cost | Who and what it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Single photograph | US$20 early; $25 final | One image. Early deadline 17 January 2027; final deadline 16 May. [1] |
| Series | US$25 early; $30 final | One coherent set of 2–8 photographs; the same published deadlines. [1][2] |
| Additional category | US$10 | Per extra category for an existing entry. No free youth or student route is advertised. [2][1] |
Choose a series because the pictures belong together, not simply to spread the fee across more files. In our view, entering the same work repeatedly is a discretionary extra: set the total budget before browsing the category menu. [1][2]
Black and white as a visual language
The two sections separate individual photographs from series. Twelve subject categories accommodate everything from architecture and street work to conceptual pictures. The named international jury includes Cyrille Druart and Agata Benhacoun; this is a juried selection rather than a public popularity vote. [1]
Past winners illustrate the range. Fotografie.nl's 2026 feature discusses James Lewin's overall series, pairing Maasai portraits with wildlife, and Rodrigo Abd's Afghanistan project made using a traditional camera. Those are quite different approaches. Our advice is to pursue a convincing visual idea rather than assume the judges require one style of dramatic monochrome. [3]
What the coverage actually demonstrates
Fotografie.nl published an illustrated winners feature on 29 July 2026, discussing several projects rather than merely repeating an entry announcement. Its account includes Juliette Bongers's layered portrait series and Mark Stevens's architectural study of Uji Station. That establishes some outside editorial attention for successful work. It does not establish an audience figure, gallery representation, commissions or any benefit for an unsuccessful entrant. We would give the published photographs more weight than broad promotional promises. [3]
Two cash awards, not a $5,000 individual prize
The US$5,000 fund divides into $3,000 for the overall series winner and $2,000 for the overall single-image winner. Category distinctions and honorable mentions bring downloadable recognition. The terms specify PayPal payment in US dollars for cash winners and digital statues, so do not budget on receiving a physical sculpture or a travel award. [1][2]
Adults, including previously published work
Entrants must be at least 18, from any country. Previously published and previously awarded images are accepted. Toned images, scanned analogue work and colour photographs converted to monochrome qualify. Post-processing is permitted; the published terms do not separately explain generative-AI eligibility or a capture-date window. [2]
Copyright stays; the publicity licence persists
You retain copyright but grant an irrevocable worldwide, non-exclusive competition-related licence. Awarded high-resolution files may be used without payment for contest promotion in print, online and social media. The organiser promises credit and says it does not sell images. There is no stated expiry; this is permission for ongoing publicity, beyond judging. [2]
Prepare the file and the sequence
Enter through the official site's account system. Upload unwatermarked JPEGs at 1,200 pixels on the longest side; retain original high-resolution files for preselection verification. Payment is by PayPal or Stripe card payment. The final date is 16 May 2027 and results are scheduled for 25 July; a closing clock time and timezone are not stated on the pages reviewed. [2][1]
Details still worth checking.
Photographers using generative tools should obtain a specific ruling before paying. General permission for post-processing is insufficient to establish that synthetic image content is accepted. [2]
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.
- MonoVisions 2027 dates, fees, prizes and juryOrganiser source · Checked 4 Oct 2026
- MonoVisions FAQ and participation termsOrganiser source · Checked 4 Oct 2026
- Fotografie.nl: 2026 winners and the work behind themIndependent reporting · Checked 4 Oct 2026
Dates, fees and terms can change. Read the current rules on the official competition website before entering.