HCB Foundation - Photobook Awards Call for Entries

• HCB Foundation

• Deadline: October 31st, 2025

• Category: Photo Book

• Prize: €8,000 + Publication

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLOSED. Click HERE for more Opportunities

When Henri Cartier-Bresson released The Decisive Moment in 1952, in collaboration with the prestigious French publisher Verve, he set a milestone in the history of photography. More than simply a collection of images, the book represented a profound artistic statement. Its visual and editorial quality established it as a singular achievement, while its impact marked a turning point in the recognition of photography as a fully realized art form, distinct from its documentary and journalistic functions.

Cartier-Bresson’s subsequent publications confirmed his conviction that the photobook was not merely a vehicle for images but an art form in itself—an extension of the photographer’s eye, rhythm, and philosophy. His dedication to the medium helped elevate the photobook to a central place within the history of photography, influencing generations of photographers who followed.

Continuing this legacy, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson has long considered the photobook an essential part of its mission, integrating it into exhibitions, educational programs, and the carefully curated selection of its bookshop. In 2025, the Fondation will inaugurate the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award, an annual prize recognizing a self-published photography book produced in that calendar year. With this award, the Fondation seeks to honor artists who take risks outside of conventional publishing channels, reinforcing its role as a champion of independent artistic creation and contemporary photographic innovation.