Photography Contest

Polaroid x Magnum Open Call

Polaroid x Magnum Open Call

Deadline |

CLOSED

Theme |

Empathy-driven story

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Open to all

Entry Fees |

FREE

Prizes |

Equipment
Enter your photography folio and the empathy-driven story you want to capture for your chance to earn a Polaroid I-2 camera, 12 packs of Polaroid Film to capture your story and participate in online critique with three Magnum photographers.

Instant photography is a tool for building human connection.

As our world becomes increasingly hyper-digitized, it’s critical that we preserve a core pillar of photography: human connection. The ability to see things from someone else’s perspective. Empathy. And seeing life not as only black and white, but all shades of gray. We are looking for stories of subcultures, topics, professions, beliefs or movements that are often overlooked, misunderstood or could be simply benefitted by viewership through an empathetic lens.

To join the Polaroid X Magnum Open Call, submit two separate photo stories, with up to 15 images per story and a 50-word write-up of an empathy-building, perspective-changing story you believe will help people see life in all shades of gray. This story must be feasible to shoot—or a project you’re currently shooting—as, should your entry be selected, you will receive a Polaroid I-2 Camera and enough Polaroid Film to capture this story. Which will have the opportunity to be showcased and accredited globally on Polaroid and Magnum channels.

NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUBMIT POLAROID IMAGES. Analog or digital imagery is acceptable as the winners will receive everything they need to become competent in instant photography.

What winners receive
A Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera
12 packs of Polaroid i-Type BW Film
Intro session with Polaroid representative
3 online group critiques with Magnum-represented photographers (of approx. 2 hours each) with the other winners

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Best Photography Contests in 2023

Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2023 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!

ENDS 01/19/25
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 01/19/25
Become the Photographer of the Week and win Exposure on the Home Page & Social Media
ENDS 01/21/25
Be Featured in our February 2025 Online Juried Solo Exhibition! Harvey Stein is the curator for the show.
ENDS 01/30/25
The Picto Prize aims to introduce new talents and offers the winners support for the realization of their projects
ENDS 01/31/25
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 01/31/25
The biennial Belfast Photo Festival provided the perfect platform for gaining exposure to an international audience, with previous editions having welcome over 100,000 visitors from all over the world
ENDS 02/04/25
Our 10th edition of the All About Photo Awards invites photographers from around the world to submit their best work for consideration. Winners will receive $5,000 in cash awards, extensive press coverage and global recognition.
ENDS 02/06/25
The Center for Photographic Art (CPA) is excited to announce the 2025 International Juried Exhibition with $2,400 in awards!
ENDS 02/13/25
The PhMuseum Photography Grant is an annual initiative that recognises the importance of photography and visual storytelling.
ENDS 02/16/25
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 02/17/25
This year’s contest theme, "Inspire," seeks entries that provoke thought, elicit emotions, and inspire audiences to view the world from new angles.
ENDS 02/28/25
The proceeds from the project will go towards the international co-financing grant “Water is Life 2024“.
ENDS 03/03/25
Earth Photo 2025 invites submissions from still and moving image makers of all ages, from anywhere in the world, who have a compelling story to share about our planet.
ENDS 03/05/25
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 03/31/25
Beauty can be found in every facet of life. The Lucie Foundation invites you to explore the concept of beauty especially in places less obvious.
ENDS 03/31/25
Entries are open worldwide to photographers using an iPhone or iPad. Photos should not be published previously anywhere. The posts on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram etc.) are eligible.
ENDS 04/15/25
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.
ENDS 04/30/25
Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography.
ENDS 05/31/25
POWER will be the main theme of the season. The Grand Prize of USD $200,000 will be awarded to one winner from any category this season, not limited to the main theme.
ENDS 12/15/25
Women photographers can participate with her female visual perspective in 23 thematic categories.
ENDS 02/08/26
The winner will receive £15,000, the second prize is £3,000, and the third prize is £2,000.