Marta Hoepffner Prize for Photography 2026 – "Behind the Mirror"

The Marta Hoepffner Prize for Photography 2026 invites emerging photographers from around the world to submit black-and-white works responding to the theme "Behind the Mirror." Now in its 25th anniversary year, this prestigious German award explores the mirror as a metaphorical device — a symbol of reflection, duality, perception, and the tension between reality and illusion.

Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme freely, whether through introspection, identity, memory, or visual experimentation. Literal or abstract approaches are equally welcome, and work spanning portrait, landscape, documentary, fine art, or experimental photography will all be considered.

Who can apply?

The prize is open internationally to

• Professional photographers in the first five years of their career
• Artists using photography as their primary medium
• Photography students (minimum 4th semester)
• Trainees in their final year of professional training

What to submit:

Submit 3–5 black-and-white photographic works created within the last two years. Works can be a series or individual pieces, presented as high-quality analog prints (baryta, fine art processes) or high-quality digital prints, up to 40 x 50 cm (unframed). Include a completed application form, artist CV, and contact information.

What's on offer:

• €3,000 main prize awarded to one selected artist
• Exhibition at the Stadtmuseum Hofheim am Taunus
• Two complimentary catalogue copies for all exhibiting artists
• Professional exposure and recognition by an independent jury of leading German photography professionals

The exhibition also features a retrospective of past prize winners, giving selected artists valuable context within the award's history.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: 15 April 2026
• Jury decision: May 2026
• Award ceremony and exhibition opening: 12 July 2026

Entry fee: €25. Apply online via the official website.