10. Merck-Preis der Darmstädter Tage der Fotografie

Darmstädter Tage der Fotografie (Darmstadt Days of Photography) is a German photography festival held in Darmstadt. The Merck-Preis is the festival's main prize, sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Merck, which is headquartered in Darmstadt. The 2026 edition is the prize's 10th cycle.

The brief is conceptually specific: projects exploring 'unstable presence' through direct contact with reality. The framing favors documentary approaches that engage with the world rather than constructed or studio work.

Selection is by Robin Hinsch (photographer and professor), Sara-Lena Maierhofer (photographer and professor), Ute Noll (curator), Marcel Rauschkolb (curator), Kris Scholz (professor), and Gregor Schuster (photographer).

Finalists receive €500 production budget, travel reimbursement, and hotel accommodation during the festival.

Eligibility is open globally. Submission is through PhMuseum with up to 12 images. Fee is €25. The 2026 deadline was March 15; results announced April 20, 2026.