11th Jalón Ángel Photography Prize

• Archivo Jalón Ángel

• Deadline: May 26th, 2025

• Prize: €1,500 + Trophy + Exhibition

• Theme: Portrait, Travel, Inclusive Society

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Each year, the Jalón Ángel International Photography Prize brings photographers together to celebrate artistic excellence and honor the legacy of one of Spain’s most distinguished photographers. This prestigious competition, organized by the Jalón Ángel Photographic Archive under the stewardship of San Jorge University (San Valero Group), marks its 10th edition, reaffirming its commitment to photography as both an art form and a means of cultural preservation.

The man behind this legacy, Ángel Hilario García de Jalón Hueto (1898-1976), better known as Jalón Ángel, was a pioneer of portrait photography in Spain. Born in Logroño, he discovered photography at an early age, training rigorously to perfect his craft. His pursuit of artistic growth led him to Lyon and later Paris, where he absorbed the techniques of European masters before returning to Spain to establish his career.

In 1926, Jalón Ángel settled in Zaragoza, where he built a reputation as a sought-after portrait photographer. His mastery of light and composition allowed him to capture the essence of his subjects, giving his portraits a timeless quality. Yet, his artistic curiosity was not confined to the studio. His passion for travel, cityscapes, and natural landscapes led him to explore and document the world around him, capturing fleeting moments with a poetic sensitivity.

But Jalón Ángel was more than a photographer—he was a humanitarian. Driven by a strong sense of social justice, he took an active role in educational reform. In 1953, he founded the San Valero Professional School, an initiative aimed at providing young people and adults with the vocational training they needed to build better futures. What began as a small project grew into the San Valero Group, an influential educational institution that continues his mission of accessibility and learning.

Today, the Jalón Ángel International Photography Prize serves as a tribute to his enduring impact. The competition invites photographers to submit works in three categories: Portrait, paying homage to his expertise in capturing human expression; Travel and Traditions, reflecting his love for cultural exploration; and this year’s new category, Cultural Heritage, dedicated to preserving history and traditions through the power of photography.

Through this award, Jalón Ángel’s vision lives on, inspiring photographers to create, document, and tell stories that transcend time.