Minimalist Photography Awards 2026

The Minimalist Photography Awards is an international competition focused exclusively on minimalist photography as a visual language. The 2026 cycle is the 7th edition; the awards have been running annually since the first edition in 2019. The program is based in Bregenz, Austria, and was founded by photographer Milad Safabakhsh.

Submissions are accepted across 12 categories: Abstract, Architecture, Fine Art, Landscape, Long Exposure, Portrait, Street, and others. Photographers may submit single images or series of 2 to 7 images per category.

The Grand Prize Winner receives €2,000 in cash, a hand-crafted trophy, and the title "Minimalist Photographer of the Year," along with inclusion in the official annual book and gallery exhibition opportunities. Category winners are featured in the annual book and online showcase.

The 2026 jury comprises Sylvia Janschek (photographer), Matthias Weissengruber (photographer), Leon Boch (photographer), and founder Milad Safabakhsh, with the international panel rounding out across editions.

Entry fees are tiered with an early bird deadline May 1 and final deadline June 2, 2026 (23:59 UTC). Eligibility is open globally to photographers 18 and over. AI-generated work is accepted only if it incorporates a real photograph; fully AI-generated work is excluded.