THEME #17Winners2020NOV
LIFE
WINNERS LIST
THEME SUMMARY
Life, a word of countless meanings. Every existence with a soul that surrounds us or the mundane days we go through as we live. Photography that captures a single instant sometimes grants it an undying life. The passing days are thus, caught as an image, remind us of a forgotten memory or even, trap the moment of the ephemeral life. Full of hope, it encases the sincerest form of beauty. Reflect once again, on what this word represents, and challenge yourself to express your own interpretation of “life”.
[Submission Period] from November 9 to February 1
JUDGE
Amanda Maddox
（associate curator at the J. Paul Getty Museum）
Amanda Maddox is associate curator in the Department of Photographs at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Since 2011, she has organized or co-organized numerous exhibitions at the Getty, including Dora Maar (2021); Gordon Parks: The Flávio Story (2019); Now Then: Chris Killip and the Making of In Flagrante (2017); Ishiuchi Miyako: Postwar Shadows (2015); and Japan’s Modern Divide: The Photographs of Hiroshi Hamaya and Kansuke Yamamoto (2013).
NOTE
Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain consent from a parent or guardian before applying. If an applicant is under 18, it will be assumed that consent has been obtained.
PRIZE
| Grand Prix (1 award) | Exhibition of your work at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA |
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| Second Prize (2 awards) | Exhibition of your work at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA |
| Third Prize (3 awards) | Exhibition of your work at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA |
| Shortlist | Featured on the IMA next website. |
GUIDELINES
IMA next is a photo competition that aims to support emerging photographers to succeed in the art photography world.
| How to apply | IMA next is a photo competition that aims to support emerging photographers to succeed in the art photography world. How to apply – One entry allows you to upload 6 photos, however in that case, all your photographs in the entry will be judged as 1 series. If you would like to submit multiple series, please make another entry. There is no limit to the number of entries per theme. – Please read theTerms of Use before applying. By submitting your application, we will assume that you agree to the Terms of Use. |
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| Who can apply? | – Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. If an applicant under 18 applies, it will be deemed that they have obtained such consent. – Otherwise, anyone is welcome! We have no restriction in terms of your nationality, age, gender or experience (Professional/Amateur). |
| Submission period | July 3, 2026 – July 12 |
| Image requirements | – All submissions need to be still photographs, no moving images will be accepted. All sorts of post-production processes are allowed. – DVD/Blue-Ray submissions will be rejected. – If the submitted work is deemed non-photographic, it may not be judged. – One entry can include up to six files, each up to 10 MB in size. – Any work that violates the rights of a third party (copyright, trademark right, portrait rights) cannot be submitted. If the work includes anything created by a third party (art work, films, photographs, music…etc.) and if it may concern any other rights, there is a need for you to have gotten permission from all party involved before you enter. ーAfter the winners are decided, they may be asked to submit high-resolution image data for printing large works to be exhibited at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA. ーYou may submit 6 photos per entry; however, the number of works that can be exhibited may vary depending on the exhibition location. |
