The International 212 Photography Competition, a cornerstone of the acclaimed 212 Photography Festival in Istanbul, Turkey, is an annual event celebrating exceptional photographic talent from across the globe. Each year, this photography competition attracts a diverse range of submissions from amateur and professional photographers alike, spanning numerous genres including documentary, fine art, street photography, portraiture, landscape, fashion, and conceptual photography. Entrants are encouraged to showcase originality, creativity, and compelling visual storytelling through a carefully curated series of 5 to 10 images, providing an expansive platform for emerging artists and established practitioners to gain international visibility.
As a leading photography contest on the international arts calendar, the competition’s mission extends beyond merely recognizing photographic excellence; it seeks to foster cultural exchange and inspire dialogue around contemporary photography. Hosted in the vibrant cultural hub of Istanbul, the 212 Photography Festival provides a unique backdrop for exhibiting the shortlisted and winning works, drawing significant attention from the global photography community, media professionals, art collectors, and curators. By featuring diverse photographic perspectives, the festival not only celebrates technical and artistic proficiency but also underscores the role of photography in exploring and communicating human experiences, social issues, and cultural narratives.
Participation in the International 212 Photography Competition offers photographers unparalleled exposure and professional development opportunities, enhancing their careers through exhibitions, portfolio reviews, media coverage, and networking with industry leaders. The competition’s inclusive nature and international reach ensure that photographers from all backgrounds can participate, fostering diversity and innovation in visual storytelling. By spotlighting groundbreaking photographic works, the competition significantly contributes to the advancement of contemporary photography, encouraging new talent to push creative boundaries and inspiring broader appreciation of photography as a powerful medium of artistic expression.
Entry fee: €25 non‑refundable per entry.
Eligibility
Open to amateur and professional photographers worldwide.
Prize
The winner receives a €5,000 cash prize and their work joins an exhibition during the festival; in addition, the winning photographer gains visibility through publication in the festival’s channels and an invitation to be featured (e.g., portfolio review, press exposure), with all 10 shortlisted finalists also exhibited during 212 Photography Istanbul.
