Photography Contest

STERN-Preis 2025 - Photo Story of the Year

Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
PhotojournalismTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Work published in German-language media in print and online in 2024Entry Fees |
FREEPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
STERN-PreisThe STERN-Preis 2025 – Photo Story of the Year will be awarded to a photo series for a photojournalistic work published in a German-language journalistic medium (newspaper, magazine, website) in 2024.
The project should masterfully illustrate a major event of the year 2024, global and socially relevant topics, or a significant aspect of our social life. The photo series should demonstrate a high level of journalistic understanding and at the same time be visually convincing.
Single images will not be accepted, the published photo story from a magazine, weekly newspaper, daily newspaper or website must contain at least five images.
The award is based on the journalistic narrative and the multifaceted implementation of relevant content. The STERN-Preis recognises the dedicated photographic and journalistic work of professional photographers who tell a compelling story through outstanding images.
While we welcome submissions from international photographers, the STERN-Preis only accepts work that was published in a journalistic German-language journalistic medium (newspaper, magazine, website) in 2024.
Technical requirements: Submissions of published photo stories from magazines, weekly newspapers, daily newspapers or websites must include a minimum of five images. All published photos must be submitted. In addition, unpublished images may be submitted up to a total of 20 photos per entry. All images must be uploaded in jpg format at 300dpi with 3000 pixels on the long edge. For print submissions, a PDF of the layout of the published story must be included; for online submissions, the link must be included (valid until at least June 2024). For stories published behind a paywall, a PDF or free access must also be included. What winners receive
The winner will receive the STERN Award 2025 in the category Photo Story of the Year for the best photo story of 2024 and thus the attention of the journalistic and photographic industry.
The project should masterfully illustrate a major event of the year 2024, global and socially relevant topics, or a significant aspect of our social life. The photo series should demonstrate a high level of journalistic understanding and at the same time be visually convincing.
Single images will not be accepted, the published photo story from a magazine, weekly newspaper, daily newspaper or website must contain at least five images.
The award is based on the journalistic narrative and the multifaceted implementation of relevant content. The STERN-Preis recognises the dedicated photographic and journalistic work of professional photographers who tell a compelling story through outstanding images.
While we welcome submissions from international photographers, the STERN-Preis only accepts work that was published in a journalistic German-language journalistic medium (newspaper, magazine, website) in 2024.
Technical requirements: Submissions of published photo stories from magazines, weekly newspapers, daily newspapers or websites must include a minimum of five images. All published photos must be submitted. In addition, unpublished images may be submitted up to a total of 20 photos per entry. All images must be uploaded in jpg format at 300dpi with 3000 pixels on the long edge. For print submissions, a PDF of the layout of the published story must be included; for online submissions, the link must be included (valid until at least June 2024). For stories published behind a paywall, a PDF or free access must also be included. What winners receive
The winner will receive the STERN Award 2025 in the category Photo Story of the Year for the best photo story of 2024 and thus the attention of the journalistic and photographic industry.
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #50 / SHAPES
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #50 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition
© Jo Fields
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 07/07/25
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 07/08/25
Critical Mass sparks career-changing opportunities. Ready to get your work noticed? This is the place to do it.
ENDS 07/11/25
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 07/14/25
Production of a limited edition photobook (100–200 pages), designed by Gomma’s in-house team
ENDS 07/15/25
200 shortlisted portraits taken in the past year will be published in the dedicated Portrait of Britain book
ENDS 07/15/25
Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of photographic art that demonstrates the fundamental qualities that make motion & blur a compelling element of contemporary photography.
ENDS 07/15/25
The next edition of the Circulation(s) festival will take place from March 21 to May 17 2026 at the CENTQUATRE-PARIS.
ENDS 07/15/25
Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to send us your most beautiful Colors or Black & White street photos.
ENDS 07/22/25
Be Featured in our July 2025 Online Juried Solo Exhibition! Juror: Ann Jastrab, Executive Director, Center for Photographic Art
ENDS 07/27/25
The Head On Photo Awards 2025 winners share an incredible prize pool in excess of $75,000, including $15,000 in cash. All finalists have their work exhibited in print and online in Head On Photo Festival 2025!
ENDS 07/29/25
Our 50th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shapes".
ENDS 07/31/25
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 08/01/25
TIFA connects photographers from around the world with the creative community in Tokyo, Japan, providing them with an excellent platform to present their work to a new market.
ENDS 08/05/25
The 2025 Global Contest promotes climate justice. We believe climate change is a human rights issue, so we are looking for images that show people impacted by the escalating climate crisis.
ENDS 09/01/25
The Ian Parry Scholarship is divided into two categories: The Sunday Times Award for Achievement and The Canon Award for Potential.
ENDS 09/01/25
The winner receives a €25,000 cash award to develop the project within ten months
ENDS 09/05/25
The Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards celebrate the photobook's contribution to the evolving narrative of photography
ENDS 09/15/25
We are excited to offer one (1) $20,000 grant and six (6) $5,000 grants to help bring these vital stories to life.
ENDS 10/01/25
The Center for Photographic Art (CPA) is excited to announce the 2025 International Juried Exhibition with $5,000 in awards!
ENDS 01/06/26
First place receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book
ENDS 01/06/26
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/06/26
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/13/26
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 02/15/26
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.