Photographs from Ukraine — from the front, frontline cities, evacuations and rear — have long become symbols of truth in times of war. For Ukrainian photographers, participation in international competitions is not only a chance to be heard in the world and talk about the war with their own voice. It is also an opportunity to get funding, support for project development, join global agencies or present your work in leading galleries.
We have collected a selection of the most prestigious photo competitions and grants, which annually celebrate powerful documentary and reportage photography, so that Ukrainian photographers can declare themselves confidently and loudly.
World Press Photo
World Press Photo— this is the most famous pageantDocumentary photography and photojournalism in the world. Each year, it collects thousands of applications from more than a hundred countries to celebrate photographers who can talk about what matters most — visually accurately, honestly and deeply.
The competition covers several key categories: Spot News, General News, Portraits, Environment, Long-Term Projects and others. The winners are selected by region: Ukraine is presented in the Eastern Europe category.
“People turn to World Press Photo to understand where photojournalism is going. Over the years, World Press Photo has consistently put high and ethical standards first. This is especially important today, when fake news is flourishing and journalism is being questioned.” Mei-I Wong, Senior Editor of Wider Image and Special Projects at Reuters.
When to apply:
Acceptance of applications opens each year at the end of December — and lasts approximately until mid-January. Participation is free, prior registration on the platform is required Picter.
Why you should apply:
This is the most prestigious international scene for photojournalists. Your works will be seen by millions of people as part of the traveling exhibition. Recognition from World Press Photo opens the door to agencies, residencies and grants.
International Photography Awards (IPA)
International Photography Awards (IPA)— one of the largest and most influential photo contests in a world that encompasses professionals, amateurs and students. Its goal is to honor the achievements of the best photographers, discover new talents and develop a general culture of perception of photography.
The competition is held every year and has dozens of categories — from documentary and portrait photography to architectural, fashion and conceptual. Winners in each category compete for the main titles:
- International Photographer of the Year(for professionals) — cash prize of $10,000 and the main IPA prize.
- Discovery of the Year(for students and amateurs) — $5,000 and an honorary trophy.
“Our mission is to honor the achievements of the world's best photographers, to discover new and promising names, and to promote the culture of photography as an art.”— announced at the International Photography Awards.
When to apply:
Every year in spring — summer. Kraidat is usually at the end of August, however in 2025 Acceptance of applications It only lasts until July 11.
Why you should apply:
Participation in one of the most prestigious photo competitions, covering a wide range of genres, gives you the opportunity to become part of the Lucie Awards, an event attended by the world's leading photographers. Recognition of the photographer at the international level opens the way for him to galleries, publications and new orders.
W. Eugene Smith Grant
It is one of the most famous grants for documentary photographers in the world. It was founded in honor of American photojournalist Eugene Smith, a master of deep, emotional stories. Each year, the grant is awarded to a photographer or photographer whose project speaks about an important social or humanitarian topic — deeply, honestly and with empathy.
What the grant gives:
- $30,000to implement or complete a long-term project.
- The two finalists also receive $10,000.
- In addition to money, there is international recognition, access to the global photo community and support for the ICP archive institution.
“Smith Grant's goal is to support photographers who speak about what matters most: human dignity, pain, resilience and struggle. These are stories that need to be heard.” it says on the contest website.
When to apply:
- Acceptance of applications has started July 1. Final deadline — October 7, 2025. To participate in the contest free of charge, you must submit an application to September 23.
Why this is important:
The Eugene Smith Grant is not just about “project money.” It is an opportunity to create something that can change the perception of the world.
Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA)
This is a contest from a legendary brand Leica, which annually celebrates powerful photo stories about the relationship between man and the world around him. No matter what you are shooting — war, ecology, the city or the silence of the village — the main thing is that the series talks about life and changes around.
What the competition gives:
- €40,000cash prize to the winner in the main category.
- Cam Leica(of course!).
- International exhibition and publication of the series.
- A separate award for new names — Leica Newcomer Award(up to 30 years).
“LOBA celebrates authors who are able to see the world deeper — through people, contexts, conflicts and interactions. These are stories that have weight.” — say Leica Oskar Barnack Award.
When to apply:
Usually the competition opens in the spring — March-April, region — May. The exact dates are specified each year on the official Leica website.
Why you should submit:
- This is a competition that sees not only the frame, but also the opinion behind it.
- LOBA opens doors to the world of art photography, galleries, exhibitions.
- Leica is a brand that supports authors with vision and depth. And often supports for a long time.
Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant
It is one of the most famous Grantsfor young documentary photographers. It is named after Jana Perry— a British photojournalist who died at the age of 24 while covering the war in Romania. The grant is awarded each year to freshmen or students who are already working on serious topics — war, human rights, refugees, ecology, life in vulnerable communities.
“We support the next generation of photojournalists who have the courage and talent to show the world as it is — with all the truth and pain.” — emphasize the Ian Parry Scholarship.
What the grant gives:
- Financing of a new or current project.
- Opportunity to be a part of Reportage by Getty Images.
- Inclusion in Canon Ambassador Program Mentorship.
- Published in the Sunday Times Magazine (UK).
- The works of the finalists are exhibited at international exhibitions.
When to apply:
Every year in summer, region — July. In 2025 DeadlineExpected September 1.
Who can apply:
- Students or novice photographers up to 24 years old
- or those who are still studying in photo programs (without age restrictions).
Why this is important:
This is one of the few grants that really helps young photographers — providing funding, mentorship, and access to large editorial offices. If you are just starting out, but already working with serious topics, apply.
The Aftermath Project
The Aftermath ProjectIt's not just a grant, it's a whole philosophy. It was founded to support photographers who show what happens after the war. Not explosions, not a front-line chronicle, but life. Reconstruction. Memory. Loss. Homecoming. Search for yourself.
Projectfounded by American photographer Sarah Terry, who herself documented the aftermath of the conflict in Bosnia. The main idea is to give voice to those stories that begin when the shots subside.
“We believe that understanding the consequences of war is part of the path to real peace. And photography can help you go this way.” They say The Aftermath Project.
What the grant gives:
- $25,000 for the implementation of the project.
- Inclusion in the annual photo book War Is Only Half the Story.
- Promotion, visibility, participation in events and discussions about photography.
When to apply:
- Every year in autumn, usually October-November.
- Usually applications are submitted from January to March. The 2025 deadline for applications ended on March 14, 2025.
Who is it suitable for:
- Documentarians who work with the themes of memory, loss, life after the conflict — both in the military and in civilians.
- Photographers who want to tell a story deeper than just “fights and attacks.”
Why it is worth resorting to:
- It is one of the few grants that supports precisely the consequences of the war, not its course.
- Gives time, resource, and recognition to show complex stories right—without shouting, but very strongly.
LensCulture Awards (Portrait/Street/Critics' Choice)
LensCulture— it is international platform, which is constantly looking for new talents in the world of photography. During the year, it holds several separate competitions:
- Portrait Awards — portrait photography,
- Street Photography Awards — street photography
- Critics' Choice is a competition without categories, where the author's approach is evaluated.
“We believe that powerful photography can change perceptions, tell important stories and unite people around the world.”— from the LensCulture mission
What participates:
- Cash prizes — up to $3,500.
- Exhibition in Paris (Arles Gallery or Galerie Joseph).
- Publication on the LensCulture platform, read by editors, agencies, curators from all over the world.
- Portfolio review and feedback from an international jury.
- The opportunity to enter the annual Talent Guide, which is sent to the gallery, editorial office, art institution.
When to apply:
- Competitions start several times a year:
- Portrait Awards — winter/spring
- Street Awards — Summer
- Critics' Choice — Autumn
There are always several restrictions: the earlier you apply, the lower the entry fee (participation fee) and the more chances of getting a review. Currently it is possible Admit in the Street Awards category until August 6, 2025.
Why you should apply:
- It's a great platform to make a statement about yourself — especially if you don't already have a big name or awards.
- LensCulture is well Googled, and the posts here are a significant plus in the resume.
Magnum Foundation Grants
The Magnum Foundation— grant to support independent documentary photography. The foundation was created by photographers from the legendary Magnum Photos agency to help authors who shoot important social topics: human rights, inequality, migration, ecology, political conflicts.
What are the programs:
- Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Fellowship is a core program where authors not only receive funding, but also study, work with curators, receive mentorship and create projects supported by the foundation.
- Thematic grants are also offered — for example in partnership with Open Society Foundations or in support of regional histories.
“We support photographers who explore complex topics — boldly, deeply, and with respect for those they shoot.” — stated by the Magnum Foundation.
What participates:
- Grant for the creation of the project (the exact amount depends on the program).
- Residences, workshops, curatorial support.
- International visibility, publications, participation in exhibitions.
- Access to a large network of editors, journalists, curators and photographers from all over the world.
When to apply:
The main competition — the Social Justice Fellowship — usually opens in February-March. Other grants are announced throughout the year, depending on the topic.
Who can apply:
- Independent photographers who work with social topics.
- Preference is given to authors from regions where there are restrictions on freedom of speech, political pressure, conflicts.
- It is not necessary to have a diploma or portfolio in gloss — the idea, approach, respect for the heroes of stories are important.
Sony World Photography Awards
Sony World Photography Awards— one of the largest photo contestsin the world. It is organized every year by the World Photography Organisation and is open to all: professionals, amateurs, students and young people under 19 years old. Participation is free of charge.
What participates:
- $25,000 to the main winner of Professional Photographer of the Year, as well as a Sony camera and a personal exhibition.
- $5,000 to the winner of the Open category (for one photo).
- Students and young people receive Sony cameras, publications and participation in an international exhibition in London.
“The aim of the competition is to celebrate the best photos and photographers in the world, showing the power of the image as a tool for communication and documenting reality.” — notes Sony WPO.
When to apply:
- Professional: Deadline — January 10, 2026
- Open & Youth: Deadline — January 3, 2026
- Student: deadline — November 28, 2025
Why you should apply:
- This is a huge international platform — your photos can be seen by millions.
- The competition covers a wide variety of genres — from documentary to landscape and concept.
- Participation is free of charge — no fees.
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