The mission of the Vienna International Photo Awards (VIPA) is to draw more attention to documentary photography in Austria and worldwide.  It has become one of the leading documentary photography contests. Entries invited in 3 categories (Professional, Amateur, Smartphone).

Ever since we have established the first edition, VIPA has become one of the leading documentary photography contests. We wanted VIPA to be different as we focus on a niche between press and art photography that is often lost sight of. The uniqueness of documentary photography lies in its rendering of a wide variety of themes, its distinct image characteristics and the plurality of perceptions in a way not found in press photography or art photography.

Moreover, it is our strong belief that every photograph is a personal message about humanity. Each photographer perceives the reality and brings forward the human essence sharing his vision of the world through his work. We aim to salute the achievements of the world’s finest photographers, to discover new and emerging talents, and to promote and enhance contemporary photography in Austria and all over the world.

There are 3 submission categories for VIPA 2013:
Professional = Prize of 4.000 EUR
Amateur = Prize of 3.000 EUR
Smartphone = Prize of 2.000 EUR

Besides the total value of 9.000 EUR in money prizes the short-listed winners will be able to take part in a group exhibition in Vienna as well as in the publication of VIPA’s official catalogue. The awards ceremony, the presentation of the official catalogue as well the opening of the group exhibition will be held during the last quarter 2013 in Vienna.

Participants chose the theme of their photo series submission.

The competition will be judged by a board of highly esteemed photo editors, curators, art directors and other luminaries from the international photography community.

NOTE: there is a 35 Euro entry fee

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 30 April 2013

Image: © Jacques Borgetto (3rd prize - VIPA 2012)