Launched in 2016 by the World Photography Organisation and ZEISS, the ZEISS Photography Award challenges photographers to submit bodies of work responding to a particular theme. The theme for 2020 is ‘Seeing Beyond – Discoveries’.
‘Throughout time the human race has been driven to make discoveries. This might be a personal revelation, a scientific and technological breakthrough or an idea that has led to social change – a new way of thinking that’s revolutionised our everyday lives. Since photography’s inception, many great individuals have seen the camera as a tool to explore and question the world, and used the power of the image to shed light on something new. Epiphanies, inventions and transformations from the known to the unknown, we want to see something new. Submissions exploring the landscape, humans, science, political or economic changes, or even something more conceptual, are all welcome.’
While all creative responses are encouraged, submissions must actively explore the topic of the brief. The submitted series should be between five to ten images, have a clear narrative that aligns with the brief, and a sense of visual consistency. All submissions must be accompanied by a supporting statement which outlines the story behind the work.
The winner of the award will receive:
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A range of ZEISS camera lenses of their choice worth a total of €12,000.
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€3,000 to cover travel costs for a photo project.
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Flights and accommodation to attend the Sony World Photography Awards night and the exhibition opening in London in April 2020.
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ZEISS will also invite the winner to their headquarters in Germany to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory and the chance to test out a variety of ZEISS lenses.
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The winner will also have the chance to collaborate directly with ZEISS and the World Photography Organisation for future projects.
A selection of shortlisted series will also be on show at London’s Somerset House during the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition. Dates of the exhibition to be announced in early 2020.
Deadline: 4 February 2020
