The Social Documentary Photography Awards

The Photography Foundation (TPF) are excited to launch The Social Documentary Photography Awards.

TPF already offer grants with LIMI London to social documentary photographers and the volume of applicants and the amazing range of subjects photographers want to highlight, to show hidden realities, injustices or celebrations have led us to open the first of what will be bi-annual competitions to award the best social documentary photographers out there! 

What is Social Documentary Photography?

Social Documentary images usually create concern for social or environmental themes however Social Documentary Photography does not always have to be about ‘big’ issues:  it can be as “simple” as documenting everyday life as you see it happening around you. 

Prices for Entry

All entrants get ONE FREE submission.

Additional submissions are charged at £8 per single image entry and £15 for a series submission.

All money goes to The Photography Foundation to help them fund their charity.

Photo by Ellie Ramsden - winner of our Photography Grant 2022, taken from the upcoming photo essay "This Land Is Our Land".

How will it work?

The competition will be open to Amateurs and Professionals for both one image entries and series entries (up to five images).

There will be a winner for the Amateur single entry and the Amateur series entry – as well as two highly commended in each. Similarly there will be a winner for the Professional single entry and the Professional series entry – with two highly commended in each.

JUDGES

THE PRIZES

PROFESSIONAL WINNERS

Professional single: £200 cash prize, image publicised online on web and socials. Image printed and exhibited at Photo Book Café in Shoreditch on awards evening.

Professional Series: £300 cash prize, images publicised online on web and socials. Images printed and exhibited at Photo Book Café in Shoreditch on awards evening.

AMATEUR WINNERS

Amateur single: £200 MPB voucher, image publicised online on web and socials. Image printed and exhibited at Photo Book Café in Shoreditch on awards evening.

Amateur Series: £300 MPB voucher, images publicised online on web and socials. Images printed and exhibited at Photo Book Café in Shoreditch on awards evening.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

A minimum of two highly commended images will be picked from each category. These images will be publicised online on web and socials. Images printed and exhibited at Photo Book Café in Shoreditch on awards evening.