Deadline: October 21, 2020
Entry Fee: Single – Free, from $10 to $45
Prizes: $1,000, $1,500, $3,000, $5,000, participation in the exhibition, promotion, publication
Seeking new talent in black and white photography
One of our most popular awards is back for a third year — the LensCulture Black & White Photography Awards!
Black and white photography holds a prominent place in our hearts and imaginations. While steeped in tradition and history, it remains an aesthetic choice of many photographer today, regardless of genre, method or subject matter. Show us how you are embracing the dynamic relationship between light, shade, and all the glorious tones in between.
Our aim is to uncover photographers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, and connect them with global audiences and career-changing opportunities. Free entry available for single-image submissions.
Exhibition in New York
All winning photographers for this award will be exhibited in New York alongside Paris Photo New York. An opening reception will be held for artists, invited media, photo editors and industry insiders for a night of art appreciation and networking during the New York chapter of one of the world’s largest international art fairs dedicated to photography.
Free Entry
We are proud to offer free entry for single-image submissions. This special offer is part of our ongoing commitment to make entry to our awards and access to career-changing benefits open to all photographers, no matter your location or budget for entering competitions.
Written Submission Reviews Available
Enter 5+ single images or a series into this competition and you can add a professional written review of your submission for an additional $15. This is a unique opportunity to receive valuable and specific feedback on your work from one of our experienced industry professionals.
Career-Launching Exposure
In addition to a print exhibition in New York and cash grants, those recognized will also receive the following benefits.
Featured At International Photo Festivals
Selected works will be screened at photo festivals and events worldwide. Over the past year, our winners and finalists were screened at festivals in the UK, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Serbia, The Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, France, the US, and more.
Visibility With Industry Insiders & Creative Professionals
If our jury ranks your submission highly through the judging process, you will be included in LensCulture Discoveries, our directory of top-rated photographers. We provide this directory to photography industry insiders and creative professionals to showcase photographers and their work to key decision makers.
Permanent Exhibition On Lensculture Online Gallery
All photographers recognized for this award will be prominently featured in the permanent online gallery on our site.
Your Work Showcased To Our Social Media Community
Each photographer recognized in this award will be profiled via our Instagram (one million followers) and Facebook (one million followers) accounts, sharing your work with new audiences and potentially new opportunities.
International Press Exposure
Award winners receive press coverage from publications and media outlets around the world. Past winners have been featured in major publications including BBC, The Washington Post, Internazionale, VICE, The Times of London, Huffington Post, Spiegel Online, The British Journal of Photography, and The Telegraph.
Categories
- Fine Art
- Portrait
- Landscape
- Architecture
- Interiors
- Alternative Process
- Photojournalism
- Documentary
- Conceptual
- Still Life
- Nature
- Street Photography
- Abstract
- Experimental
- Staged
- Graphic
Awards
Series Award Winners
- 1st Place: $5000
- 2nd Place: $3000
- 3rd Place: $1500
Single Image Award Winners
- 1st Place: $3000
- 2nd Place: $1500
- 3rd Place: $1000
Jurors’ Picks
- Each juror will select an individual Juror’s Pick to receive special distinction.
Finalists
- 25 Finalists will be selected.
Entry Fees
Single – Free
- Limited to one free entry per person.
- $10 for each additional photo.
- 5 images are $35.
5+ Singles – $35 USD
- 5 single image entries, judged individually (not as a series).
- $10 for each additional photograph.
- Optional: Receive a written review of your work for an additional $15.
Series – $45 USD
- Max 10 images, judged as a series. Your submission should work as a group, thematically or aesthetically.
- Optional: Receive a written review of your work for an additional $15.
