FotoDoc Photo Contest 2026

FotoDoc is an international documentary photography contest run by Vertente Edição, Impressão e Produção LTDA, with the festival itself held in São Paulo, Brazil each November. Submissions are accepted in three categories distinguished by sequence length: Single Image (1 to 3 photos), Photo Essay (6 to 8 photos), and Portfolio (10 to 15 photos).

The submission model is two-stage: initial submission is free, with a $29 USD (R$98 BRL) publication fee charged only after selection — finalists have seven days to confirm. Sixty finalists are selected and published in the festival catalog; from those, an in-person five-person professional jury chooses 25 winners who are exhibited at the FotoDoc Festival in November 2026. Selection runs on rolling evaluation as submissions arrive.

The Overall Portfolio winner receives a trophy plus airfare and accommodation to attend the festival in São Paulo with a presentation slot. All 25 winners receive exhibition and catalog publication; all 60 finalists receive catalog publication. Selected works also appear on the festival website and Instagram with dedicated photographer profile pages.

Eligibility is open to Brazilian and international photographers with no theme restrictions. AI-generated images are prohibited; AI editing is permitted with declaration. Authors retain all rights; the festival retains promotional and exhibition usage. The 2026 deadline is June 30 at 11:59 PM Brasília time.