LensCulture Black & White Photography Awards 2026 is now open for entries!
LensCulture is very pleasant to announce 2026 edition of its Black & White Photography Awards, like every year seeking remarkable photographic work that plays with the dynamic relationship between light, dark and all the tones in between.
Short description
LensCulture, a photography magazine based in Netherlands and one of the most comprehensive and far-reaching resources for discovering contemporary photography talent around the world, is thrilled to announce the return of their Black & White Photography Awards 2026 seeking remarkable photographic work that plays with the dynamic relationship between light, dark and all the tones in between.
The competition is open for submissions and welcomes monochrome work, from classic darkroom processes to digital and experimental approaches. Submitted work must have been made within the last 10 years.
LensCulture wants to discover remarkable B&W photographers from all cultures and all experience levels, and connect them with global audiences and career-changing opportunities including an exhibition during Photo London 2027.
Entries are judged in two strands:
➜ Series – a cohesive group of up to 10 images, judged as a unified whole, thematic or aesthetic
➜ Single Image – individual standout images, judged individually
LensCulture is on a mission to discover the most imaginative, talented, creative photographers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, and connect them with global audiences and career-changing opportunities.
Whether you’re working with silver gelatin or totally digital, eliciting nostalgia or leaning into abstraction, your monochrome creations deserve to be seen.
You may submit a single photos or series (in this case, your submission should work as a group, thematically or aesthetically).
A total of 33 photographers will be recognized as winners, jurors’ picks, and finalists, with the top winners featured in a group exhibition in New York — reaching curators, editors, gallerists, and collectors. This is a unique opportunity to have your work seen, celebrated, and connected to a worldwide community of photography experts and enthusiasts.
Eligibility
This competition is open to all photographers over the age of 18, regardless of their experience level or cultural background.
Benefits
Total cash grants of $10,000 will be announced, distributed as follows:
➜ Series 1st Place: $3,500
➜ Series 2nd Place: $2,000
➜ Series 3rd Place: $1,000
➜ Single Image 1st Place: $2,000
➜ Single Image 2nd Place: $1,000
➜ Single Image 3rd Place: $500
➜ Jurors’ Picks – each juror selects an individual Juror’s Pick for special distinction, with accompanying comments
➜ Finalists – 20 Finalists will be highlighted on the winners’ page and in worldwide promotion, alongside Winners and Jurors’ Picks
Additional recognition announced by the organizer includes:
➜ Exhibition in London – winning photographers will be exhibited during Photo London 2027
➜ Solo Feature Published on LensCulture – for top Series winners
➜ Permanent Exhibition in LensCulture Online Gallery – for winners, finalists and jurors’ picks
➜ International Press Exposure – coverage of award winners in international media
➜ Visibility with Industry Insiders – inclusion of highly rated photographers in LensCulture Discoveries, the directory provided to editors, publishers, gallery owners, festival directors, curators and media publishers
➜ LensCulture Portfolio Account – available for all Series entries and 5+ Single entries
Entry fees
First single-image entry per person is free!
