Pretty Ugly — Student Photography Competition 2026/27

A darkroom print competition asking students to explore the idea that ugliness is often just a matter of perspective. A rough texture, an unusual face, a forgotten space — under the right conditions the overlooked becomes extraordinary, and perceived imperfections such as scars, wear and age can tell powerful stories of resilience and character. Entrants are challenged to question first impressions and capture their own interpretation of 'pretty ugly'. All images must be shot on ILFORD or Kentmere black and white film and hand-printed by the student in the darkroom on ILFORD or Kentmere black and white papers; digital submissions are not accepted and prints must be posted with an entry label firmly attached to the back of each. Minimum print size is 8x10 inches, and images that have won other competitions or been published by a third party are not eligible. Multiple entries are encouraged, and lecturers may bundle a class's prints in one package. Open to students of any age anywhere in the world taking a full or part-time course at a school, college or university; prints go to HARMAN technology in Mobberley, Cheshire, or to its Seattle address. ILFORD points students without darkroom access to its Pop-Up Darkrooms and community darkroom locator.