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The F/262 Photo Book Award honors the best unpublished photobook project of the year.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Projects must be unpublished.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.
Produced by F/262 & Associação F/SOS
With the support of:
May 15 – September 25, 2026 Caldas da Rainha & Óbidos, Portugal · View map
About F/262
F/262 is an international photography festival rooted in Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos, Portugal.
Through exhibitions, talks, education, and public installations, the festival engages contemporary photography with place, community, and the world we share.
©2026 F/262 – Festival Internacional de Fotografia
Produced by Associação F/SOS – Fotografia, Solidariedade e Obras Sociais