Entry questions
Entry questions
When is the entry deadline?
Upload first and start checkout by 1 December 2026, 23:29 Vienna time. Payment and automatic submission must be confirmed by 23:59. Results will be announced on 20 December 2026.
Do my photographs need to be taken in Vienna?
No. Photographs can be made anywhere. Choose Portrait, Documentary or Editorial; there is no additional theme.
Who will judge the first edition?
Shivam Pandey judges Portrait, Ethan Swope judges Documentary, and Pius Martin judges Editorial. Together, the three jurors choose the overall winning photograph from the category winners.
What do the awards include?
The overall winning photograph receives €300 and a medal, in addition to its category prize. In each category, first place receives €100 and a medal; second and third place each receive a medal. Total cash prizes: €600. Winning photographs and Honourable Mentions receive credited online exposure on the award website and official Instagram account. Honourable Mentions do not include cash prizes or medals.
When will prizes be paid and medals sent?
Prize money is paid and medals are dispatched within one to two weeks after the results announcement. Worldwide medal shipping is free for winners. Delivery time depends on the destination; winners need to provide their payment and delivery details.
How many photographs can I enter?
Up to five photographs per person across the whole edition. Total fees including applicable taxes are €19 for one, €35 for two, €49 for three, €59 for four and €69 for five.
How do I submit my photographs?
Start with your name and email, choose a package and upload your photographs. Check each title and category, then select Pay & submit. Confirmed payment submits your selection automatically. You receive an email with your submission reference, photo details and billing documents. An account is optional. For help, contact info@viennaphotoawards.com.
Do I keep the rights to my photographs?
Yes. You retain copyright. Accepted entries may be featured with credit on the award website and official social channels, including promotion of those award posts, even if they do not win. The licence is non-exclusive, time-limited and does not permit stock resale or generative AI training. Read the full scope and timing in the participation terms. Participation terms
How are photographs judged?
Jurors consider visual strength, originality, category relevance, storytelling and ethical integrity. Each category has its specialist juror; the three jurors choose the overall winner from the category winners. Followers, public votes and extra payments do not determine the awards.
Do I need an account, and what happens after payment?
No account is required. Upload and review your photographs first, then choose Pay & submit. Only confirmed payment completes the entry. You receive a confirmation email with your entry reference, photograph details and payment document. You can create an account afterwards if you wish.