F/262 Photo Book Award
From image to object. From story to print.
About the Award
The F/262 Photo Book Award honors the best unpublished photobook project of the year.
It celebrates the book as one of the most intimate and enduring forms of photographic expression — where concept, design, and material come together as narrative.
Each year, one author is selected to receive full production of their photobook, created locally in Portugal in a hand-numbered edition of 262 copies, in partnership with a publishing collaborator and local printers and binders.
The award reflects F/262’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and creative independence.
Key Facts
📅 Applications open: January 1 – March 15 2026
📦 Finalist dummy delivery: until April 15 2026
🏆 Winner announced: early May 2026
📖 Book launch: May 2026 at the F/262 Photo Book Club
💶 Entry fee: €25 per project
Full local production of the photobook in a limited edition of 262 copies.
Editorial and materials support with the F/262 and publishing partner teams.
ISBN + colophon under F/262 and the publishing collaborator.
Launch + signing event at the F/262 Photo Book Club.
International visibility through the festival’s website, press, and exhibitions.
(Only one winner is selected each year — no secondary prizes or mentions.)
Eligibility
Open worldwide to photographers, artists, designers, and collectives using the photographic medium.
Projects must be unpublished. Self-published editions ≤ 100 copies or digital-only versions are accepted.
No restriction on nationality, age, theme, or format.
The project must be technically feasible for book production.
Jury
The F/262 Photo Book Award Jury is independent from other festival programs and includes editors, designers, curators, and publishers.
Projects are evaluated for:
Narrative and conceptual strength
Editing, sequence, and design
Production feasibility
Sustainability and innovation
TIMELINE
| Phase | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Call (PDF Submission) | Jan 1 – Mar 15 2026 | Online submission via form on f262.pt. |
| Finalists Announced | Mar 31 2026 | Selected finalists invited to send physical dummies. |
| Dummy Delivery Deadline | Apr 15 2026 | Finalists’ dummies must arrive in Portugal. |
| Jury Session | Mid-Apr 2026 | Jury meets in Caldas da Rainha / Óbidos. |
| Winner Announcement | Early May 2026 | Public announcement before the Photo Book Club. |
| Book Launch & Signing | 2026 | Official presentation during the F/262 Festival |
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online form at f262.pt.
All requested fields must be completed for your entry to be valid.
Step 1 – Prepare your materials
PDF (max 100 MB) – 10 to 20 double-page spreads including cover and title.
Synopsis (≤ 200 words) and short bio (≤ 120 words).
Optional preview images – up to 6 JPGs (72 dpi, ≤ 2 MB each).
Payment confirmation – entry fee €25 per project (PayPal, card, or transfer).
Step 2 – Submit the online form
Upload your files and confirm payment. You will receive a confirmation email with your registration number.
Step 3 – If you are selected as a finalist
Finalists will send one physical dummy copy for the jury session.
Delivery deadline: April 15 2026
Label clearly: “BOOK WITH NO COMMERCIAL VALUE”
All shipping and customs costs are the applicant’s responsibility.
If you wish your dummy returned, select the return option in the form or include a prepaid return envelope.
F/262 cannot assume responsibility for unreturned or damaged materials.
Terms & Conditions
Eligibility – Open internationally; projects must be unpublished. Up to two entries per author (separate fees).
Entry Fee – €25 per project; non-refundable.
Jury Process – Independent panel; decisions final. Criteria: narrative, design, feasibility, sustainability.
Award – Single winner receives production of 262-copy edition; collaboration with F/262 + publisher required; launch at Photo Book Club May 2026.
Copyright & Usage – Authors retain all rights; by submitting, entrants authorize promotional use of images and information related to the award and festival.
Material Responsibility – Books handled with care, but F/262 is not liable for loss or damage during transport or exhibition. Return shipping is the author’s responsibility.
Acceptance – Submission implies full acceptance of these terms.
FAQ
A book that has not been commercially released or distributed. Self-published editions of ≤ 100 copies or digital editions are still eligible.
No. All entries begin with a PDF submission. Only finalists must send a physical dummy.
Yes. Up to ten projects per author; each requires a separate form and fee.
No fixed limits, but projects must be technically feasible for book production.
Yes — text, inserts, and mixed formats are welcome if integral to the concept.
Yes. List all authors; provide one contact email and billing address.
Only if you choose the return option and cover shipping costs.
Yes, but entry fees are non-refundable.
You’ll work directly with F/262 and the publishing partner to finalize production and launch your book at the festival.
You retain authorship and copyright. F/262 and the publisher manage production and initial distribution in agreement with you.
Copyright © 2026 by João Carlos