Art Zrok: Personas – International Photography Competition IAAP

Entries are now open for Art Zrok: Personas 2026, an international photography competition dedicated to the representation of the human figure in contemporary photography. The competition welcomes both professional and amateur photographers from around the world and features four sections exploring different approaches to portraiture, monochrome photography, historical aesthetics, and candid documentary imagery.

Competition Sections

COLOR & GRACE
Colour portraiture exploring femininity, individuality, emotion, and the aesthetics of the human image. The section focuses on colour harmony, lighting, visual expression, and the emotional connection between the subject and the viewer.

BRUT & MONOCHROME
Black-and-white portraiture focused on male character, charisma, and inner strength. Particular attention is given to the use of light and shadow, contrast, and the graphic qualities of the face.

TIMELESS PERSONA
Portraits inspired by different historical periods, from the aesthetics of the early 20th century to film noir and the retro styles of the 1970s and 1980s. The jury will consider the atmosphere of the image, the use of costume and styling, and the photographer’s ability to evoke the spirit of a particular era.

CANDID STREET
Street, documentary, and reportage photography capturing people in their natural surroundings. The section is open to spontaneous portraits, fleeting moments, authentic emotions, and visual stories emerging from everyday life.

Eligibility and Image Requirements
The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers worldwide.
Submitted photographs must be original works created by the entrant, either on photographic film or with a digital camera. The use of generative artificial intelligence to create or modify image elements is not permitted. For awarded or shortlisted images, EXIF metadata may be checked to verify authorship and the photographic origin of the work. Entries must be submitted as JPEG files. Recommended specifications are 1920 × 1080 pixels, 300 dpi, with a maximum file size of 4 MB. Each photograph must have a unique title.

International Jury
The international jury brings together photographers and photography experts from Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Denmark, and Russia: Irina Markova, Neda Arsenievska, Jan Hammerstad, Aleksandr Zamyatin

Awards
The competition offers a range of awards, including IAAP medals, Art Zrok medals, diplomas, and honorary ribbons.
A special Best Author of the Salon award will also be presented. The total number of awards may be adjusted depending on the number of participating photographers.

Entry Fee
The entry fee for all four sections is €20.
Members of the IAAP are eligible for a 50% discount.
Members of the BAP receive a 100% discount.

Competition Calendar
Entry deadline: 17 November 2026.
Jury and judging period: 24 November 2026.
Results announcement and publication of reports: 17 December 2026.
Dispatch of awards and catalogues: following the announcement of the results.

Recognition and Organisation
Art Zrok: Personas 2026 is an international photography competition organised in Belarus. The competition is officially recognised by the International Association of Art Photographers (IAAP) and the Belarusian Association of Photographers (BAP).

Organiser: Art Zrok, Vladimir Ashkinazi-Isachenko
Co-organiser: Belarusian Association of Photographers
Contact: i9197620758@gmail.com

Learn more about Competition