Vincent van Gogh Photo Award 2027
Vincent van Gogh Photo Award 2027 is now open for entries!
Vincent van Gogh Photo Award 2027 has been recently announced for entries inviting photographers to break the boundaries and think outside the box, just as Vincent did, on the theme, ‘Spirit of light’ (in the eyes of van Gogh).
Short description
The Vincent Van Gogh Photo Award, an international photography competition organised every two year by Stichting Service Project Rotary Nuenen now is calling for entries inviting anyone worldwide to participate.
The theme for the 6th edition is ‘Spirit of light’ (in the eyes of van Gogh).
Photography begins with light. The very word itself comes from the Greek phōs (light) and graphé (writing): writing with light. Every photograph, whether captured in a studio or in the open landscape, is ultimately a conversation between light and the photographer. Without light, there is no image - only darkness waiting for meaning.
But light is more than a technical necessity. It carries character, emotion, and presence. Light has a spirit.
The sun paints the world with endless variation: the softness of dawn, the clarity of midday, the warm glow of evening. A cloudy sky diffuses light into a gentle veil, while a low winter sun carves long shadows across the land. Each moment offers a different voice, a different mood waiting to be translated into an image.
Artificial light tells its own story. The sudden energy of flash can freeze a fleeting gesture, reveal hidden textures, or transform darkness into drama. In the studio, light becomes sculptural - shaped, softened, directed. Photographers become architects of illumination, building atmosphere and depth through careful placement and timing.
Photographers are challenged to submit their most inspiring and innovative images.
You can submit as many entries (of up to three digital images) as you like.
Organiser also accepts images that have previously been submitted to or won in previous photo contests or other competitions.
Your work will be evaluated by internationally recognized photography professionals and will be seen by an international audience of peers, collectors and art enthusiasts who appreciate serious photography.
The approximately 50 winning nominations will be announced on September 3, 2027, and posted in the winners gallery on the official website.
Step into the enchanting world of Vincent van Gogh for the 6th edition of the captivating photo exhibition, held in the historical landscapes of Nuenen where the master himself lived and worked from 1883 to 1885. From 3 September 2027 to 24 September 2027, the nominated photos will be exhibited in the public park in the center of Nuenen.
Submission requirements
➜ The photo(s) must fit within the theme: ‘Spirit of light’ (through the eyes of Vincent van Gogh)
➜ Image Manipulation, given the adding or removing of certain picture elements so that the content of the photo changes, is not allowed. Light editing is allowed.
➜ Only digital photo(s) can be accepted.
➜ Each picture file is to be enclosed in RGB, JPG format, of at least 3000 pixels (longest side), 300 dpi, and a file size of at least 2 MB and preferably not more than 5 MB.
➜ The images should be sent without frames, watermarks, or logos.
Eligibility
Participation in this event is open to everyone (amateur and professional).
Prize
The best three works in each of the competition categories (Vincent van Gogh Photo Award and Student Award) will be awarded with monetary prizes. Your work will also be seen by an international audience of peers, collectors and art enthusiasts who appreciate serious photography. From 3 September 2027 to 24 September 2027, the nominated photos will be exhibited in the public park in the center of Nuenen.
Entry fees
Participation starts from € 18. For a students starts from € 10. A 20% ‘Early bird’ discount applies from 1 March 2026 until 30 September 2026.
