URBAN Photo Awards is back with its 17th edition, gearing up for another season of exceptional talent, compelling images and unforgettable encounters — all building towards the grand finale at the Trieste Photo Days, taking place from 23 to 25 October. Submissions are open until 14 June 2026: don’t miss your chance!

Since 2010, URBAN has established itself as an international stage for photographers, celebrating the complexity, beauty and contradictions of urban life and drawing thousands of participants from around the world every year. It is one of the few competitions that goes beyond the screen to offer genuine visibility, giving both professionals and enthusiasts the opportunity to make their mark on the international scene.

This year’s jury will once again feature some of the most outstanding names in international photography. Mark Power, acclaimed British photographer and full member of the legendary Magnum Photos since 2007, author of sixteen books and with works held in major institutional collections including the V&A and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, will chair the Projects & Portfolios category. Christopher Morris, world-renowned photographer and founding member of VII Photo Agency, one of the most prestigious independent photography agencies in the world, will chair the Single Images category. Both will be guests at the Trieste Photo Days, where they will lead workshops and talks. Further jury members will be announced in the coming weeks.

Single Images Streets, People, Spaces, Creative

As always, the competition is open across a range of categories. The Single Images section includes: People, Streets, Spaces and Creative. From all four categories, one overall winner will be selected and awarded the title of Photographer of the Year 2026, along with the competition’s most prestigious prizes.

Special Categories Projects & Portfolios, Urban Book Award, Under 35

There are also the Projects & Portfolios and Book Award sections, open to photographers who wish to submit a structured body of work on a single theme — a coherent visual narrative where each image contributes to and strengthens the whole. Within Projects & Portfolios, two special awards will also be presented: the URBAN Press Award, which gives one photographer the opportunity to be published in leading photography magazines and publications worldwide, and the Patricia D. Richards Legacy Award, reserved for photographers under 35 entering this section, who are automatically eligible. Mark Power will also personally curate a group exhibition, selecting 3 to 5 projects from those submitted to the competition. The exhibition will be presented at the Trieste Photo Days and will remain open from 23 October to 8 November 2026.

Finally, the URBAN Photo Arena section is dedicated to photographers under 35: a concrete opportunity to gain international exposure, connect with industry professionals and build visibility on a global stage.

More exciting news will be announced in the coming weeks. To stay up to date on the jury, special guests, entry offers and all things URBAN 2026, sign up to our newsletter using the form at the bottom of the page.

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