An annual prize devoted to discovering the next generation of photographic artists

Winners receive a cash prize thanks to the continued support and contributions of our partners, as well as a listing amongst our roster of artists for at least a year. Whilst all Shortlisted artists will be invited to participate in a group exhibition hosted by Open Doors Gallery in London.

Artists are also eligible for a variety of awards chosen by our panel of influential industry experts in the field of photography. From having work singled out by each jury member as one of the ‘Judges’s Picks’ to the Metro Mentorship award selected by artist and creative director, Professor Steve MacLeod. We are also excited to introduce new partnerships with InCadaques Photo Festival & Free Range Degree Shows. You can find out more about those below.

There has never been a better time to submit your projects to OD Photo Prize. With more opportunities on offer than ever before and a proven record working with artists, this open call offers a unique platform for emerging and early career artists of all ages, backgrounds & styles… We can’t wait to see your work.

OD Photo Prize was founded by Open Doors Gallery, UK, in 2021.

“The OD Photo Prize allowed me to further advance my practice by providing the necessary funds to purchase equipment and enhance the quality of my work. With support from Metro Imaging and MPB, I was able to take on larger and more complex projects. The prize has been instrumental in fostering innovation and helping me reach a wider audience.”

— Patricia Voulgaris, 2024

“Winning the 2022 OD Photo Prize was a significant validation of many years working on what has now become, ‘They Still Owe Him a Boat’. The prize provided me with a wonderful platform and network for my work to be seen, engaged with, and then exhibited – which was a very special moment for me. It has been a great source of encouragement during the final stages of this work. Reinforcing my belief in the caliber and importance of it. The competition is a great way to connect with a lot of talented photographers. I am immensely appreciative of Tom and everyone at Open Doors for the many ways they continue to provide guidance, access, and support through the OD Photo Prize.”

— Jono Terry, 2023

“When I received the OD Photo Prize in 2021, my project ‘Teetering like a September myth’ was still in its infancy. Only a handful of close friends even knowing that it existed. The support I received from Tom and Steve in the following months would be instrumental to my completing the work and releasing it as a book the following year. As an emerging artist still finding my feet in many ways, the OD Photo Prize and exhibition have been really important entry-points into showing my work publicly and I’ll forever hold this experience as a pivotal point in the early stage of my career.”

— Angus Scott, 2022

Grand Prize

£2,000 [$2,500]

The Grand Prize includes…
£1000 cash prize supported by Open Doors Gallery
£500 print credit supported by Metro Imaging
£500 credit supported by MPB
An interview published on 1000 Words magazine
Listed amongst the awarding OD Gallery roster for at least one year

Shortlisted artists are invited to participate in a group exhibition hosted by Open Doors Gallery in London to celebrate their talent and their projects. A selection of prints from OD Photo Prize’s shortlisted artists will also be made available for sale online and at the exhibition in time for Christmas

There are also a number of awards available to help us highlight the extraordinary talent submitted each year…

AJ Page Award

This award, set up in memory of Alan Page—a brilliant creative and copywriter—celebrates extraordinary single images. Their projects have already impressed our judges but their work might have narrowly missed out of being shortlisted. This Award offers another opportunity for those talented artists to gain exposure and join our Shortlisted Artists. The winner, chosen by our Instagram audience [@odtakeovers], will gain instant recognition and have their work exhibited at our group exhibition in London.

Metro Mentorship Award

The Creative Director of Metro Imaging in London, Professor Steve MacLoed, selects one artist each year from the Longlisted Artists to join his Mentorship programme. As a successful artist himself with decades of valuable experience to share, Steve’s input and energy has become an essential component of the Prize.

InCadaques Award

This partnership offers a unique chance to have your submission selected by the founders of the renowned InCadaques Photo Festival in Spain. Set against the stunning backdrop of Spain’s east coast, this beautiful festival attracts thousands of visitors each year to explore the extraordinary exhibitions on display. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work at one of Europe’s leading photography festivals.

Judge’s Picks

Our panel of is invited to select one artist from the Longlist as their Judge’s Pick. These artists are highlight prominently online and invited to exhibit at the End of Year Group Exhibition in London.

We also regularly standout submissions to our audience throughout the year on our discovery account @odtakeovers.