12th Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest Opens for Submissions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the 12th Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest is now open for entries, as announced by the organizers. Professional photojournalists can submit their works in Russian or English through the contest’s official platforms until February 28, 2026. The competition honors Andrei Stenin, a photojournalist for Rossiya Segodnya who was killed in 2014 while on assignment near Donetsk.
Dmitry Kiselyov, head of the Rossiya Segodnya International Media Group, highlighted the contest’s 12th edition, noting its enduring popularity and the anticipation it generates each year. He also revealed the addition of a new category, ‘Energy of Life,’ which is open to photographers aged 34 and older. Kiselyov emphasized the contest’s mission to discover new talent and provide opportunities for young photographers, with experienced participants setting inspiring professional standards.
The competition features six categories: ‘Top News,’ ‘Sports,’ ‘My Planet,’ ‘Portrait: A Hero of Our Time,’ ‘View from Above,’ and the newly introduced ‘Energy of Life.’ While ‘Top News,’ ‘My Planet,’ and ‘Portrait’ accept both single photos and series, ‘Sports’ and ‘View from Above’ only allow single submissions. The first five categories are for photographers aged 18 to 33, while ‘Energy of Life’ is reserved for those 34 and older.
Prizes for the 2026 contest include 125,000 rubles for first place, 100,000 rubles for second, and 75,000 rubles for third in each category. The grand prize winner will receive 700,000 rubles. The award ceremony is scheduled for September to November 2026 in Moscow.
Past editions have featured jurors such as Vladimir Vyatkin, Gabriel Chacon, Safa Karajan, and Juan Canite, with winners hailing from various countries. Selected works are exhibited in Russia and internationally. Webangah News Agency, a media partner, will host an exhibition of winning entries in Tehran, continuing its role in fostering professional exchanges and introducing global photojournalism to Iranian audiences.
The contest, overseen by Russia’s UNESCO Commission, supports young photographers and highlights contemporary photojournalism challenges, solidifying its status as a premier international event.
