THEME #48Application overview2026JUL
Open Call
IMA next will hold a photo contest to select works for the exhibition at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA. The works selected in this photo contest will be exhibited at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA.
We look forward to seeing works from IMA next that will bring color to Miyota.
[Submission Period] from July 3 to July 12
JUDGE
IMA editorial team
（IMA editorial team）
About the art photography magazine IMA
Since 2012, IMA aims to realize its philosophy “LIVING WITH PHOTOGRAPHY” by proposing various approaches to familiarise oneself with art photography in our daily lives. Its core project, the magazine IMA (published twice a year), has been introducing high-profile photographers and their contemporary photographic expressions from around the world while also seeking uncovered young artists. Furthermore, our online media, IMA ONLINE, constantly communicates news and articles related to photography. IMA thus is a platform that allows you to revel in photography from a variety of perspectives.
STEPS FOR ENTRY
Please provide the necessary information and upload you're images for your entry. See guidelines for more details.
Once the upload of your work image is complete,you will receive a entry confirmation email.
It will take about one weeks until the result announcement. This may vary depending on the number of entries and the availability of the judges. Note that we will not be communicating on an individual basis about the state of the judging process.
The Grand Prix and shortlists will be announced on this website, All relevant participants will be informedbeforehand via the email address provided during the entry process.
Please be aware that we will not be responding to inquiries about the result.
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 Prize (1 Winner) | – Exhibition at the “Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA”* |
|---|---|
| Second Prize (2 Winners) | – Exhibition at the “Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA”* |
| Third Prize (3 Winners) | Exhibition at the “Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA”* |
| Shortlist | Feature on the official IMA next website |
| *Note: | The number of photographs displayed may vary depending on the assigned exhibition venue. |
GUIDELINES
IMA next is a photo competition that aims to support emerging photographers to succeed in the art photography world.
| Theme | Open Call IMA next will hold a photo contest to select works for the exhibition at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA. The works selected in this photo contest will be exhibited at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA. |
|---|---|
| Submission period | July 3, 2026 – July 12 |
| 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). |
| 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. |
| 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. – 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. – You may submit 6 photos per entry; however, the number of works that can be exhibited may vary depending on the exhibition location. |
