Luz e Sombra — National Photography Competition

Luz e Sombra is a Portuguese national photography competition organized by Égide — Associação Portuguesa das Artes. The brief structures the relationship between light and shadow across four working themes: heritage, nature, architecture, and daily life — open to interpretation across documentary, fine art, and conceptual approaches.

Eligibility is restricted by nationality and residency: Portuguese citizens or residents of Portugal. Both professional and amateur photographers may apply.

Selection structure: six finalists. Total prize pool is €6,000 split as €3,000 (first), €2,000 (second), €1,000 (third). Beyond cash, finalists' works are published in an artist-edition book, shown in a traveling exhibition across three venues, and featured in the Égide digital gallery.

Each application is a series of 6 photographs with a conceptual synopsis (1,500 characters) and biography (1,000 characters). Submission is through the Égide website. Application is free. The 2026 deadline was April 30; results announced May 2026.