Sander Vos

The Independent Photographer
is a monthly photography award
& online magazine

SUBMIT PHOTOS MAGAZINE
© Sander Vos

Celebrating photography & supporting emerging artists

© Alessandra Manzotti
2025 Travel AWARD

Win $2700 Cash Awards & International Exposure

This summer, we’re looking for images that go beyond the picturesque, revealing the true essence of a place. Share your photos that capture the spirit of its people, the richness of its traditions, and the rhythm of daily life. From bustling markets to serene vistas, every compelling narrative is welcome!

*EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT* – Submit by July 15th to receive 50% off on ALL submissions!

 

  • Win $2700 in Cash Prizes
  • International Exhibition
  • +890k Instagram Feature
  • Free Online Portfolio
Photo of monks blowing large horns by Michael Yamashita
© Michael Yamashita

Profile • Travel

Michael Yamashita

One of the most influential photographers of our time (and judge of our current Travel Photography Award), Michael Yamashita has spent much of his five-decade-long career traveling Asia, capturing truly extraordinary images that distill the essence of this vast, diverse continent.

MAGAZINE

2025 Travel Award

Win $2700 Cash Awards & International Exposure

This summer, we’re looking for images that go beyond the picturesque, revealing the true essence of a place. Share your photos that capture the spirit of its people, the richness of its traditions, and the rhythm of daily life. From bustling markets to serene vistas, every compelling narrative is welcome!

*EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT* – Submit by July 15th to receive 50% off on ALL submissions!

 

  • Win $2700 in Cash Prizes
  • International Exhibition
  • +890k Instagram Feature
  • Free Online Portfolio
color landscape travel photo of man on wooden boat in Africa by Duncan De Fey
© Duncan De Fey
Award - color travel photo of Stepwells in Rajasthan, India by Barry Crosthwaite
© Barry Crosthwaite
color travel photo of highland cow in Scotland by Mellony Kadakal
© Mellony Kadakal
color photo of men carrying supplies for Phugtal Monastery, - Ladakh, Northern India by Andrew Newey
© Andrew Newey
color landscape travel photo of man on wooden boat in Africa by Duncan De Fey
© Duncan De Fey
Award - color travel photo of Stepwells in Rajasthan, India by Barry Crosthwaite
© Barry Crosthwaite
color travel photo of highland cow in Scotland by Mellony Kadakal
© Mellony Kadakal
color photo of men carrying supplies for Phugtal Monastery, - Ladakh, Northern India by Andrew Newey
© Andrew Newey
color landscape travel photo of man on wooden boat in Africa by Duncan De Fey
© Duncan De Fey
Award - color travel photo of Stepwells in Rajasthan, India by Barry Crosthwaite
© Barry Crosthwaite
color travel photo of highland cow in Scotland by Mellony Kadakal
© Mellony Kadakal
color photo of men carrying supplies for Phugtal Monastery, - Ladakh, Northern India by Andrew Newey
© Andrew Newey
color landscape travel photo of man on wooden boat in Africa by Duncan De Fey
© Duncan De Fey
Award - color travel photo of Stepwells in Rajasthan, India by Barry Crosthwaite
© Barry Crosthwaite
color travel photo of highland cow in Scotland by Mellony Kadakal
© Mellony Kadakal
color photo of men carrying supplies for Phugtal Monastery, - Ladakh, Northern India by Andrew Newey
© Andrew Newey
color photo of train driver in Japan by Benji Jackson
© Benji Jackson
color photo of Peruvian Andes Rainbow mountains by Nicolas Castermans
© Nicolas Castermans
color travel photo of woman tending fishing nets in Vietnam by Ben Wood
© Ben Wood
Tshechu Festival - Bhutan an annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.
© Stuart Chape
color photo of train driver in Japan by Benji Jackson
© Benji Jackson
color photo of Peruvian Andes Rainbow mountains by Nicolas Castermans
© Nicolas Castermans
color travel photo of woman tending fishing nets in Vietnam by Ben Wood
© Ben Wood
Tshechu Festival - Bhutan an annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.
© Stuart Chape
color photo of train driver in Japan by Benji Jackson
© Benji Jackson
color photo of Peruvian Andes Rainbow mountains by Nicolas Castermans
© Nicolas Castermans
color travel photo of woman tending fishing nets in Vietnam by Ben Wood
© Ben Wood
Tshechu Festival - Bhutan an annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.
© Stuart Chape
color photo of train driver in Japan by Benji Jackson
© Benji Jackson
color photo of Peruvian Andes Rainbow mountains by Nicolas Castermans
© Nicolas Castermans
color travel photo of woman tending fishing nets in Vietnam by Ben Wood
© Ben Wood
Tshechu Festival - Bhutan an annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.
© Stuart Chape
color landscape travel photo of man on wooden boat in Africa by Duncan De Fey
© Duncan De Fey
Award - color travel photo of Stepwells in Rajasthan, India by Barry Crosthwaite
© Barry Crosthwaite
color travel photo of highland cow in Scotland by Mellony Kadakal
© Mellony Kadakal
color photo of men carrying supplies for Phugtal Monastery, - Ladakh, Northern India by Andrew Newey
© Andrew Newey
color photo of train driver in Japan by Benji Jackson
© Benji Jackson
color photo of Peruvian Andes Rainbow mountains by Nicolas Castermans
© Nicolas Castermans
color travel photo of woman tending fishing nets in Vietnam by Ben Wood
© Ben Wood
Tshechu Festival - Bhutan an annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.
© Stuart Chape

Past Judges

Our competition jury is comprised of esteemed industry figures representing such prestigious agencies and publications as Magnum Photos, VII, National Geographic, Agence Vu'Vogue & GEO.
  • logo of The Guardian and portrait photo of editor Fiona Shields

    Fiona Shields

    Fiona Shields is Head of Photography for The Guardian News and Media Group. With more than two decades of experience, she has delivered talks, mentored photojournalism students, and served as judge of numerous awards and competitions.

  • Judge Steve McCurry Profile Picture

    Steve McCurry

    Celebrated as one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography, American photographer Steve McCurry has created a unique collection of work featuring some of the most famous images of our time.

  • Judge Alessia Glaviano Profile Picture Vogue Logo

    Alessia Glaviano

    Based in Milan, Alessia Glaviano is the Brand Visual Director of Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue. She is responsible for Photo Vogue and was a 2015 World Press Photo jury member.

  • Judge Ed Kashi Profile Picture VII Logo

    Ed Kashi

    Represented by the prestigious VII agency, Ed Kashi is an acclaimed photojournalist and educator who uses photography to explore geopolitical and social issues that define our times.

  • Judge Maggie Steber Profile Picture National Geographic Logo

    Maggie Steber

    A celebrated figure in the photographic community, Maggie Steber works for National Geographic and is part of the renowned VII Photo Agency. She has earned prestigious honors, including the Leica Medal of Excellence, the World Press Foundation Award & a Pulitzer prize.

  • Judge REZA Profile Picture

    REZA

    Founder of Webistan Photo Agency and Explorer of National Geographic, internationally acclaimed Iranian-French photojournalist Reza is a three-times world press winning photographer and recipient of the ICP Infinity Award.

  • portrait of photographer Carol Körting

    Carol Körting

    Carol Körting is a professional portfolio reviewer and the photo editor of the renowned Leica Fotografie International Magazine (LFI) and its online platform, producing and editing countless photographic projects since 2011.

  • portrait of photographer Nikos Economopoulos

    Nikos Economopoulos

    Member of Magnum Photos since 1990, Nikos Economopoulos has published several monographs and his iconic images have been published and exhibited worldwide. Economopoulos regularly teach and work around the world, in the context of his long-term On The Road project.⁠⁠

  • Judge Magdalena Herrera Profile Picture GEO Logo

    Magdalena Herrera

    Magdalena Herrera has worked in books, print, and magazines, spending ten years as head of the photo department at National Geographic before joining Geo France as Director of Photography. She was the chair of the 2018 World Press Photo contest.

Square TIP Logo

Competition winners

Portrait AWARD May 2025

Winner Veronika Verbitskaia

Discover all winners

Square TIP Logo

Upcoming Awards

Each month, photographers submit images to a themed competition judged by an acclaimed artist.

STREET – September 2024
OPEN CALL – October 2024
LANDSCAPE – November 2024
PEOPLE – December 2024
BLACK & WHITE – January 2025
VISUAL STORY – February 2025
STREET – March 2025
COLOR – April 2025
PORTRAIT – May 2025
BLACK & WHITE – June 2025
TRAVEL – July/August 2025

Coor photography of a man taking a bath by Ivelina Berova
© Ivelina Berova

A unique chance to
gain widespread exposure!


  • $ 32.000
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  • International
    Exhibition


  • Free
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    Exposure

  • Professional
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Duncan De Fey
© Duncan De Fey
2025 Travel AWARD

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“Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.” – Ansel Adams
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