Zeiss Photography Award 2020

Seeing Beyond Discoveries

Deadline for Submissions: 13:00 (GMT), February 4th 2020.

2020 Brief

For the 2020 ZEISS Photography Award photographers are asked to respond to the theme Seeing Beyond – Discoveries.

Throughout time the human race has been driven to make discoveries. This might be a personal revelation, a scientific and technological breakthrough or an idea that has led to social change - a new way of thinking that’s revolutionised our everyday lives. Since photography’s inception, many great individuals have seen the camera as a tool to explore and question the world, and used the power of the image to shed light on something new.

Epiphanies, inventions and transformations from the known to the unknown, we want to see something new. Submissions exploring the landscape, humans, science, political or economic changes, or even something more conceptual, are all welcome.

While all creative responses are encouraged, submissions must actively explore the topic of the brief. The series should be between five to ten images, have a clear narrative that aligns with the brief (Seeing Beyond – Discoveries) and visual consistency.

Entrants can submit all different types of photography – be that in technique or subject matter. All submissions must be accompanied by a supporting statement which outlines the story behind the work.

Judges

The photo projects submitted to the 2020 ZEISS Photography Award are judged by a renowned panel composed of three international experts from the photography industry. Judges will be evaluating submissions on their technical expertise, visual storytelling and creativity. It is important each series entered sticks to the 2020 brief: Seeing Beyond – Discoveries.

Prizes

Winner of the ZEISS Photography Award receives:

• A range of ZEISS camera lenses of their choice worth a total of €12,000
• €3,000 to cover travel costs for a photo project
• Flights and accommodation to attend the Sony World Photography Awards night and the exhibition opening in London in April 2020
• ZEISS will also invite the winner to their headquarters in Germany to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory and the chance to test out a variety of ZEISS lenses
• The winner will also have the chance to collaborate directly with ZEISS and the World Photography Organisation for future projects

A selection of shortlisted series will also be on show at London’s Somerset House during the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition. Dates of the exhibition to be announced in early 2020.

Key Dates

15 October 2019, 11am CET: Competition open for submissions
4 February 2020, 2pm CET: Competition closed for submissions
31 March 2020: Shortlist published and Winner announced
16 April 2020: Award ceremony and gala dinner London
17 April to 4 May 2020: The winning photo series and selected photos from the shortlist exhibited at Somerset House in London

For more information about the rules and to enter the competition please go to this link.