OPEN FOR ENTRIES!

We invite photographers of all nations and backgrounds to apply to the Open Submission, to have their work viewed by an international panel of highly influential photography industry experts, with career enhancing opportunities on offer.

Opportunities include exhibition at the largest annual festival of photography in the UK and Ireland, before going on a European tour with significant media exposure and a range of awards including a £2,000 (Approx $2,700 / €2,300) cash prize.

"One of the best photography festivals in the world" (Capture Magazine)

WHAT DO YOU WIN?

ALL SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHERS RECEIVE:

Submission review by a diverse jury of industry professionals
Opportunities for project exposure across festival materials, social media channels, website and press campaign
Opportunity for participation in our Instagram residency scheme
2026 Portfolio Review discount

20 TO 40 FINALIST PHOTOGRAPHERS RECEIVE:

Large format print exhibition (Produced by Belfast Photo Festival) in June 2026 at city centre locations receiving over 100,000+ visitors
Publication in the printed festival programme, website and marketing materials
Partner exhibition and exposure at the 2027 Photo Schwiez Festival in Switzerland
Festival representation and promotion in our award winning media and PR campaign which had a combined reach of 115 million in 2024 and 180 million in 2025
Guaranteed participation in our Instagram residency scheme
Dedicated feature on the festival website with full online gallery
Inclusion in the festival issue of Abridged Magazine

ADDITIONAL AWARDS AND CASH PRIZES:

Spotlight Award - £2,000 (Approx $2,700 / €2,400) Cash Prize

Spotlight Interview - with representatives from world leading photographic institutions (e.g. TATE, MoMA, TIME, Pompidou, Aperture)

In-person or virtual artist's talk in Belfast Photo Festival

Abridged Editorial Award - with full project feature

Online mentorship and support by Belfast Photo Festival Staff

COMPETITION DESCRIPTION

Described as "One of the best photography festivals in the world" (Capture Magazine), the annual Belfast Photo Festival represents the largest annual festival of photography in the UK and Ireland, providing the perfect platform for those looking for new or additional exposure to both international and industry audiences.

Our open theme is to reduce barriers and restrictions. Submissions must be photographic or lens-based but can include combinations with other art forms such as performance, painting, sculpture, music, literature and more.

SUBMISSIONS

Individuals and/or collectives are welcome to apply by entering between 1 and 15 photographs from a particular group series, completed project or body of work in development.

Authors or publishers of Photobooks may also be considered by linking a PDF proof to their submission. A single cover and reference image must be uploaded.

Multiple projects or photobooks can be submitted with additional entries via "add another project".