The submission period has started!!
Under the title "HOW TO/GATHER — Queer Communities in Photography", Gaze 2026 is seeking photographic works that explore queer spaces, forms of community, care, and so-called chosen families.
With "HOW TO / GATHER," this year we focus on queer spaces as places of gathering where identities can unfold freely and develop in all their diversity. We are interested in relationships that exist beyond heteronormative and patriarchal structures: What do friendship, romantic love, and family mean outside these norms? What happens when queer communities are under threat, when access to queer spaces is limited, and when the free expression and development of one’s identity is not possible?
Please make sure to read our Participation Guidelines and FAQs (further down).
Contest
©María José Celis
Key Information at a Glance
Eligibility
People who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community are invited to submit photographic works addressing these issues.
Submitted images
Participants may submit a project consisting of 1 to 5 individual photos or a series of up to 5 photos that were taken within the last 5 years. When creating your project on Picter, please indicate in the project title whether your submission is a series. For more details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions.
Submission and Fee
You can submit your photos via the Picter platform. This year, there is a one-time entry fee of €15 to participate in the contest.
Awards
Gaze will award three prizes in 2026:
National Prize: For participants who reside in Germany or have their primary residence there. 1st place receives €1,000 MPB Voucher
International Prize: Open to participants residing in Europe and the UK. 1st place receives €1,000 MPB Voucher
Audience Award: The Audience Award is independent of the jury; the community votes on a shortlist. 1st places receives €500 MPB Voucher
MPB is the exclusive sponsor of this year’s Gaze Photo Awards. As Europe’s leading camera reseller, MPB is committed to promoting circularity in photography and supporting creative communities. Winners will receive vouchers to spend on MPB-approved used gear, and winning entries will be featured in an exhibition in Berlin in winter 2026 (date to be announced).
Jury
The jury consists of a mix of professional photographers, representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community, artists, LGBTQIA+ media, and an MPB representative. When the jury has been selected, the names will be announced here as well as on our newsletter and Instagram channel.
FAQs
We've compiled all the important questions about submitting entries. Please read through everything before you submit your photos. You can also find more information in the Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions, please write to us hallo@queer-gaze.de
Who can submit images to "GAZE – The Queer Photo Award 2026"?
All individuals residing in Germany, the EU & UK who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry and identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community are eligible to participate.
2. How do I submit photographs for the award?
Digital files must be uploaded via the submission page.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. The entry fee is 15 euros per submitted project.
Is there a limit to how many images I can submit?
Participants may submit max 5 single photographs or max 5 photographs as part of a series. When creating your project on Picter, please indicate in the project title whether your submission is a series.
What is this year's theme, and can I submit more than one photo?
This year's theme is: "HOW TO / GATHER – Queer Communities in Photography." Participants may submit either up to five individual images or a series of up to five photographs.
Is there a time limit for when the photographs were taken?
Yes. All photos must have been taken within the last five years from the start of the open call. For long-term projects, at least two-thirds of the work must fall within this timeframe.
What are the prizes?
GAZE will award three prizes in 2026:
National Prize: 1st Place recieves €1,000 MPB voucher
International Prize: 1st Place recieves €1,000 MPB voucher
Audience Prize: 1st Place recieves €500 MPB voucher
Voucher awarded to 18+ selected participants only. Open to residents in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Valid for one single eligible online purchase on mpb.com, non-transferable, subject to expiry, availability, exclusions, and MPB’s full promotional terms and conditions at mpb.com/info/terms (German T&Cs)
What counts as an image series?
A series consists of 3 to 5 images that share a common theme or concept and title. The jury will evaluate the story as a whole, not as individual images.
Do I have to sign up for Picter to enter?
Yes. A simple sign-up process is required to register on Picter. Once registered, you will have full access to submit to the "GAZE – The Queer Photo Award 2026".
4. What size should the digital files be?
The recommended minimum size is 3000 pixels on the longest side. If selected, you may be asked to provide high-resolution versions of your images.
Are digitally manipulated or AI-generated images accepted?
No. All submissions must be original photographs taken by the participant and may not be generated by AI.
Can I submit a photograph that has previously won an award?
No, due to copyright restrictions.
Can previously published images be submitted?
No, previously published work is not eligible for submission due to copyright reasons.
Do I need to include a caption for my images?
Yes. Each submission (single image or series) must include a caption in English, with a maximum of 2000 characters. Individual captions for photos within a story are not required and may not be reviewed by the jury. Keep your text short and focused.
How will the photographs be judged?
Images will be evaluated by the jury based on artistic merit, originality, subject, and style, all in relation to the overarching theme of peace.
What is the copyright policy?
Please refer to the official terms and conditions on our website for detailed copyright and usage rights information.
What is the final deadline for submissions?
Entries will be accepted until 31. August 2026, 11:59 PM CET.
How will I know if I’ve won an award?
Winners will be notified by phone or email in September 2026.
Can images taken on a smartphone be submitted?
Yes, images can be taken with any device capable of producing a digital image that meets the required size and quality.
Can a group or team of photographers enter, or only individuals?
Both individuals and collaborative teams are welcome to submit entries.