The KAAF Photo Contest aims to support new and creative perspectives in photography while fostering a competitive environment that increases motivation and enthusiasm among young photographers and the photography community.
Street Photography, Social Documentary, and Black & White. All photographers may participate with free-themed works in each category and submit their best works through the contest’s website.
Participation format:
Social Documentary: photo project (8-15 photos)
Street Photography and Black & White: single photo
After the initial review of submissions according to the contest’s rules and regulations, and the first round of judging, 24 single photos will be selected in each of the “Street Photography” and “Black & White” categories, and 8 photo projects will be chosen in “Social Documentary.” In the final round of judging, each judge (6 judges per category) will award a score between 0 and 10. Final winners will be determined by the total scores.
Participation is open to all photographers and enthusiasts worldwide.
All photographers may participate in all three categories with free-themed works. However: In Social Documentary, only photo projects are allowed. In Street Photography and Black & White, only single photos are accepted.
There is no limit on the number of submissions. Each photographer may submit one free work per category (in total: 2 single photos + 1 photo project). For each additional submission, a fee of 10 EUR/USD must be paid via PayPal and the receipt must be uploaded on the website. Payment will be verified within one hour, and upon confirmation, the photo will be officially accepted.
To support young photographers, participants under the age of 25 may submit up to two works per category free of charge (in total: 4 single photos + 2 photo projects).
There are no restrictions on the production year of the works. Works previously published or selected in other festivals are also accepted.
All devices (cameras, smartphones, etc.) are allowed, provided the quality is sufficient for exhibition.
In Street Photography and Social Documentary, works may be submitted in color or black & white.
In Street Photography, editing must not fundamentally alter the image or result in image-making. Moderate editing that preserves the essence of the photo is allowed.
In Social Documentary, only basic editing (light, color, cropping) is permitted, provided it does not compromise the documentary integrity. RAW files of shortlisted works must be submitted before the final judging round. Failure to submit within 8 days will result in disqualification.
A Social Documentary photo project must include 8–15 photos plus a statement (minimum 100 words). Captions for each frame may be requested by the judges or organizers.
In Black & White, all types of editing are permitted. For photomontage works, all combined elements must be photographed by the entrant. The use of AI-generated images is strictly prohibited.
The organizers may request RAW files or additional frames from any submitted work in all categories for verification. Non-compliance may lead to disqualification.
File requirements: JPEG/JPG, max 2MB, with the longer side recommended at max 2000 pixels.
Any visible watermark, signature, border, date, or logo on the file will result in disqualification.
The organizers reserve the right to use and publish submitted works with the photographer’s name credited.
The submitter is considered the legal owner of the work and is fully responsible for any legal or ethical issues arising from it.
Submitting works implies full acceptance of all rules and regulations.
The Organizing Committee reserves the right to decide on unforeseen matters.
The contest trophy will not be shipped to winners. They must attend the award ceremony in person or assign a representative to receive it on their behalf.
