Photography Contest
Rotterdam Photo 2025
Deadline |
12/20/24Theme |
Shared/ConnectedTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to allEntry Fees |
FREEPrizes |
ExhibitionHost |
Rotterdam Photo FestivalEmerging from the omnipresent culture of imagery, the new wave of photographic talent consists of true digital natives. They’ve grown up in a world where images reign supreme, and they play a pivotal role in capturing the essence of freedom, culture, human connection, and unity. This generation exemplifies the delicate balance between finding a genuine subjective perspective (ethics) and crafting the perfect visual expression (aesthetics). With insatiable curiosity and a thirst for innovation, they push the narrative and technical boundaries of photography to new heights.
At Rotterdam Photo, we are committed to empowering this intricate balancing act with a solid foundation—a theme broad enough to invite a myriad of independent photographers to join our festival, yet clear enough to provide visitors with a cohesive narrative that links the diverse issues raised by individual creators.
For the 2025 edition, our theme is Shared/Connected.
In the wake of half a century of neoliberalism, a new ideology is stirring: commonism. This movement challenges the relentless privatization and commercialization of shared resources and goods, as well as the enclosure of scientific knowledge and information. It stands against any form of hierarchical inequality or dominance of one group over another, offering an alternative to diluted notions of collectivism and social cooperation.
How much are we truly willing to share? And how can this be captured visually? Rotterdam Photo seeks to chart this new ideological landscape through the lens of contemporary photographers, while also embracing their critical perspectives on a utopian, commonistic society. Can we truly define a common good in an open society like ours, or is it just a superficial commitment?
The strong communal bonds of the past have been replaced by weak social connections, untethered from religious or socialist mandates. Yet, we now face the dystopian reality of ubiquitous connections, where for decades we’ve been compelled to share everything–particularly opinions and personal worldviews. The digital and logistical web we’ve woven is, in this sense, the sole authority that knows, organizes, and governs all.
What tools do we have now to live together meaningfully? How can this sense of connectedness be shared in a way that everyone values? What technological innovations will aid us in this quest?
These pressing questions resonate deeply with today’s visual artists and photographers, inspiring projects that explore (re)discovered family ties, identity issues, social and ecological engagement, and the role of artificial means in these endeavors. This has given rise to what seems to be a neo-existential movement in photography. It is precisely this movement that Rotterdam Photo seeks to highlight in this year’s Open Project Call.
Apply before December 20th and just us as we celebrate and scrutinize the intricate tapestry of connection and sharing through the visionary eyes of the new generation of photographers.
What winners receive
Selected photographers will be invited to showcase their projects and create their exhibition in the container during the Rotterdam Photo 2025. Photographers get an opportunity to sell their works and meet gallerists, potential art buyers, and international art press professionals. Rotterdam Photo doesn’t charge any commissions for sales during the festival.
Opportunities for Photographers:
– Submission review by professionals from the photography field
– Featuring across festival/partner social networks and websites ( LensCulture, Dodho magazine, All About Photo)
-Personal exhibition project at the Rotterdam Photo 2025 (you can directly curate and craft your project)
– Special categories awards and cash prizes
– Long-term representation and promotion by the festival and on Follow.art platform
– Opportunity to participate in the Rotterdam Photo Talks and RP networking events
– Publication and Inclusion in the Festival program
– International press exposure
– Be part of the event with 10.000 + visitors in the centre of Rotterdam
At Rotterdam Photo, we are committed to empowering this intricate balancing act with a solid foundation—a theme broad enough to invite a myriad of independent photographers to join our festival, yet clear enough to provide visitors with a cohesive narrative that links the diverse issues raised by individual creators.
For the 2025 edition, our theme is Shared/Connected.
In the wake of half a century of neoliberalism, a new ideology is stirring: commonism. This movement challenges the relentless privatization and commercialization of shared resources and goods, as well as the enclosure of scientific knowledge and information. It stands against any form of hierarchical inequality or dominance of one group over another, offering an alternative to diluted notions of collectivism and social cooperation.
How much are we truly willing to share? And how can this be captured visually? Rotterdam Photo seeks to chart this new ideological landscape through the lens of contemporary photographers, while also embracing their critical perspectives on a utopian, commonistic society. Can we truly define a common good in an open society like ours, or is it just a superficial commitment?
The strong communal bonds of the past have been replaced by weak social connections, untethered from religious or socialist mandates. Yet, we now face the dystopian reality of ubiquitous connections, where for decades we’ve been compelled to share everything–particularly opinions and personal worldviews. The digital and logistical web we’ve woven is, in this sense, the sole authority that knows, organizes, and governs all.
What tools do we have now to live together meaningfully? How can this sense of connectedness be shared in a way that everyone values? What technological innovations will aid us in this quest?
These pressing questions resonate deeply with today’s visual artists and photographers, inspiring projects that explore (re)discovered family ties, identity issues, social and ecological engagement, and the role of artificial means in these endeavors. This has given rise to what seems to be a neo-existential movement in photography. It is precisely this movement that Rotterdam Photo seeks to highlight in this year’s Open Project Call.
Apply before December 20th and just us as we celebrate and scrutinize the intricate tapestry of connection and sharing through the visionary eyes of the new generation of photographers.
What winners receive
Selected photographers will be invited to showcase their projects and create their exhibition in the container during the Rotterdam Photo 2025. Photographers get an opportunity to sell their works and meet gallerists, potential art buyers, and international art press professionals. Rotterdam Photo doesn’t charge any commissions for sales during the festival.
Opportunities for Photographers:
– Submission review by professionals from the photography field
– Featuring across festival/partner social networks and websites ( LensCulture, Dodho magazine, All About Photo)
-Personal exhibition project at the Rotterdam Photo 2025 (you can directly curate and craft your project)
– Special categories awards and cash prizes
– Long-term representation and promotion by the festival and on Follow.art platform
– Opportunity to participate in the Rotterdam Photo Talks and RP networking events
– Publication and Inclusion in the Festival program
– International press exposure
– Be part of the event with 10.000 + visitors in the centre of Rotterdam
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #44 / STREET
The 44th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing urban life. Send a cohesive body of work or portfolio - capturing the weird and wonderful moments unfolding around you!
© Francesco Gioa
Best Photography Contests in 2024
Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2024 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!
ENDS 12/05/24
Guest Room aims to spark collaboration.
ENDS 12/05/24
Wildlife Photographer of the Year harnesses the power of photography to promote the discovery, understanding, and responsible enjoyment of the natural world.
ENDS 12/08/24
Become the Photographer of the Week and win Exposure on the Home Page & Social Media
ENDS 12/10/24
We’re excited to announce the fifth edition of the Female in Focus award, in partnership with Nikon, a global leader in imaging technology.
ENDS 12/10/24
Our45th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Travel Photography".
ENDS 12/17/24
Be Featured in our January 2025 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 12/31/24
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 01/01/25
Women photographers can participate with her female visual perspective in 23 thematic categories.
ENDS 01/03/25
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/03/25
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/10/25
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/10/25
The Aperture Portfolio Prize aims to identify trends in contemporary photography and highlight artists whose work deserves greater recognition.
ENDS 01/10/25
The annual photo contest rewards photographers for the best single exposure pictures contributing to the past year of visual journalism.
ENDS 01/10/25
We are glad to share the news that Anadolu Agency’s international news photography contest Istanbul Photo Awards to be held for 10th time.
ENDS 01/19/25
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 01/31/25
The biennial Belfast Photo Festival provided the perfect platform for gaining exposure to an international audience, with previous editions having welcome over 100,000 visitors from all over the world
ENDS 02/16/25
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 03/31/25
Entries are open worldwide to photographers using an iPhone or iPad. Photos should not be published previously anywhere. The posts on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram etc.) are eligible.
ENDS 04/15/25
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.
ENDS 04/30/25
Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography.
ENDS 02/08/26
The winner will receive £15,000, the second prize is £3,000, and the third prize is £2,000.