When Henri Cartier-Bresson published The Decisive Moment in 1952, the result of a collaboration with a major arts publisher, he created a work that was as striking and singular in its quality as in what it represented: the affirmation of photography as an art form in its own right, beyond its documentary function.

Henri Cartier-Bresson would go on to publish other influential books, a testament to his deep interest in the photography book as a work of art and a natural extension of the photographic act. In this spirit, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson places great importance on the photobook, both through its programming and the richness of its bookshop.

In 2025, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson is launching the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award, which is annually awarded to a self-published photography book released during that calendar year. With this award, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson supports artists who produce and distribute books independently, outside traditional publishing networks and furthers its mission to champion contemporary photographic creation. FUNCTIONING AND GRANT
The call for entries for the first edition of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award is open from July 9 to October 31, 2025.

Selected by a jury composed of five professionals from the fields of photography and publishing, the winner of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award will receive a prize of €8,000.

The winner is invited to participate in a “Feuilletage”, a public program during which a photographer reflects on the creation of one of their books, discussing the image selection, layout choices and sequencing.

The winning book, as well as those of the shortlisted candidates, will be featured as part of a weekend event honouring the art of self-published photobooks.