OD Photo Prize 2026 Call for Entries

• Open Doors Gallery (London)

• Deadline: August 12th, 2026

• Category: Contemporary Photography

• Prize: £2,000 + Exhibition in London + Interview

• Entry Fees: Yes

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

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Open Doors Gallery warmly invites photographers and lens-based artists from around the world to submit their work for the sixth edition of the OD Photo Prize. Created specifically for emerging artists in the first decade of their careers, the prize celebrates originality, ambition, and the evolving possibilities of contemporary photography while offering meaningful opportunities for professional growth and exposure.

Over the past ten years, Open Doors Gallery has become a trusted platform for discovering exceptional new talent. The gallery has proudly supported artists at pivotal moments in their careers, helping them gain visibility through exhibitions, art fairs, publications, and international presentations. Many artists who first appeared on the gallery's radar as emerging practitioners have since gone on to establish successful and sustainable careers, demonstrating the transformative impact that the right opportunities and support can provide.

The OD Photo Prize was developed as a natural extension of this commitment. More than simply an award, it serves as a meeting point between artists, curators, collectors, and industry leaders who are passionate about contemporary photography. By maintaining an open theme, the prize encourages photographers to submit the projects that matter most to them, resulting in a remarkably diverse range of submissions each year. The previous edition attracted over 1,200 entries from more than 70 countries, highlighting both the international reach of the prize and the growing significance of the platform.

One of the defining strengths of the OD Photo Prize is its emphasis on long-term support. Winners and finalists are not simply celebrated and forgotten; they become part of an ongoing network of artists and collaborators connected to the gallery. Through mentorship, exhibition opportunities, and introductions to industry professionals, Open Doors Gallery actively invests in helping artists continue their creative and professional development.

We welcome submissions from photographers working across the full spectrum of contemporary practice. Documentary projects, portraiture, street photography, conceptual work, collage, mixed media, experimental image-making, and interdisciplinary approaches are all encouraged. We are interested in artists who push boundaries while remaining committed to developing a thoughtful and distinctive artistic voice.

Finalists will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a major group exhibition in London, providing direct access to an engaged audience of photography professionals, collectors, curators, and the wider public. Selected works will be promoted both online and in person, creating valuable opportunities for exposure and sales while ensuring that artists maintain full ownership and copyright of their images.

Alongside the main prize, finalists will also be eligible for a range of additional awards, including the prestigious InCadaqués Award and the AJ Page People's Choice Award. Judged by an accomplished panel of leading figures from across the photography industry, the OD Photo Prize offers emerging artists an unparalleled opportunity to share their work, build professional relationships, and take important steps toward the next stage of their careers.