The Independent Photographer October 2026 Open Call: $3,000 in Prizes, Maggie Steber Jury
The Independent Photographer is accepting submissions for its October 2026 Open Call Award until 31 October. Photographers worldwide may enter documentary, street, landscape, portrait, fine-art, travel and other photographic work. The monthly award provides US$3,000 in total cash prizes, a London exhibition opportunity and online publication exposure. The named judge is renowned documentary photographer Maggie Steber.
Open-category photography, not AI-generated graphics
The October competition deliberately has no restrictive photographic subject. It accepts camera-based images from a broad range of approaches, including analogue, digital and smartphone photography. The official FAQ specifically rejects AI-generated photographs. Traditional image editing is acceptable if the work remains photography-based, but the photographer must possess the required copyright and provide truthful image information.
Entry costs and file specifications
The competition submission flow advertises one image for US$15, three images for US$30 and six for US$45; entrants should confirm the checkout total in their own region. JPEG and PNG files need at least 1,200 pixels on one side, with a maximum 10 MB file size per image. Entry closes on 31 October 2026. The organiser says photographers retain copyright while accepting necessary licence terms for competition publicity; review these before paying.
Prize calculation, judge and organiser
The top award is US$1,500, with US$500 for second and US$300 for third. Seven further finalists receive US$100 each, totalling the advertised US$3,000. Maggie Steber has documented communities for National Geographic and taught photojournalism internationally. The Independent Photographer runs regularly changing monthly themes, a website magazine and a winners' archive. Selection is competitive: the entry fee does not buy a prize or guarantee a physical print display, travel funding or a professional commission.
Official application and current rules
Official information checked 23 October 2026. Confirm submission eligibility, charges, deadlines and rights on the current organiser page.