FAQ

What is Mono Orbit Awards?

Mono Orbit Awards is an international monochrome photography award dedicated to the built environment.

The award focuses on architecture, infrastructure, industry, public space and the structures, spaces and systems that shape contemporary life.

Each edition is centred on one theme and invites photographers to respond through an individual photographic perspective.

Who can participate?

Mono Orbit Awards is open to photographers worldwide.

Both emerging and established photographers are welcome.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Are there separate categories?

No. Mono Orbit Awards does not use separate categories.

Documentary, conceptual and other photographic approaches are considered together through one shared selection process.

Each photograph is evaluated in relation to the edition theme and the strength of the work itself.

What kind of photographs can be submitted?

Mono Orbit Awards accepts monochrome photography exploring the built environment.

Eligible subjects may include:

- Architecture

- Infrastructure

- Industry

- Public space

- Urban environments

- Transport systems

- Construction

- Energy

- Human-made landscapes

- Other structures and spaces shaped by human activity

Each edition is centred on a specific theme.

The relationship to the theme should be visible within the photograph itself. A title or description may provide context but should not be required to make the image relevant.

How often does the award take place?

Mono Orbit Awards is planned as a recurring award, with each edition introducing a new theme.

Dates and submission periods are announced separately for each edition.

How many photographs can I submit?

Each entry consists of one photograph.

Multiple entries are permitted.

Each photograph must be submitted separately and requires a separate entry fee.

What is the entry fee?

The entry fee is €20 per photograph.

Each submitted photograph is treated as a separate entry.

Do I need to create an account?

Yes. Participants must create an account before submitting their work.

An account allows participants to manage their submission information and access relevant award updates.

Are colour photographs accepted?

No. Mono Orbit Awards is dedicated exclusively to monochrome photography.

Black and white, grayscale and consistently toned monochrome photographs are accepted.

Images using multiple distinct colours or selective colour effects may be considered ineligible.

Are AI-generated images accepted?

No. AI-generated images are not eligible.

Submitted work must originate from a photograph made by the entrant.

Artificial intelligence may not be used to generate, replace or substantially create people, objects, structures, environments or other visual elements within the image.

Standard photographic editing is permitted, including adjustments to:

- Exposure

- Contrast

- Tone

- Cropping

- Monochrome conversion

- Sharpening

- Noise reduction

- Removal of minor sensor dust

Mono Orbit Awards may request an original RAW file, unedited source file, film scan or other reasonable evidence of authorship and photographic origin.

What are the technical requirements?

Submitted photographs must meet the following specifications:

- Monochrome photography only

- JPG format

- Longest side: up to 3000 px

- Maximum file size: 6 MB

- Colour space: sRGB

- No watermarks, logos, borders or identifying text

- Both digital and analogue photography are accepted.

How are photographs selected?

All eligible submissions are considered together through one shared selection process.

The initial review is conducted by the Mono Orbit Awards editorial team.

Shortlisted work may be considered through an independent curatorial perspective, with external photographers, editors, curators or other visual professionals invited to contribute to the final selection.

Photographs are considered in relation to:

- Relevance to the edition theme

- Originality

- Visual clarity

- Photographic intention

- Meaningful use of monochrome

- Overall strength of the work

The selection is based on the photograph itself, not the photographer’s reputation, professional status or social media presence.

What awards are available?

The current edition offers:

First Prize - €900

Second Prize - €700

Third Prize - €500

Honourable Mentions may also be awarded to selected photographs.

Awarded and selected photographers may receive additional editorial presentation and recognition through Mono Orbit Awards.

Do photographers retain copyright?

Yes. Photographers retain copyright in their work at all times.

By entering, participants grant Mono Orbit and Mono Orbit Awards a non-exclusive licence to publish submitted photographs in connection with the administration, presentation, promotion and archive of the award.

Mono Orbit Awards does not acquire ownership of submitted photographs.

Full details are available in the Terms and Conditions.

Will submitted photographs be published?

Selected photographs may be presented through:

- In Focus

- Winners Showcase

- Mono Orbit and Mono Orbit Awards websites

- Editorial features and interviews

- Social media channels

- Newsletters

- Press and promotional materials related to the award

Submission does not guarantee publication.

Inclusion in In Focus is an editorial feature and does not indicate finalist status or influence the final selection.

How are winners announced?

Awarded and selected photographs will be announced through the Mono Orbit Awards website and official communication channels.

The First Prize, Second Prize and Third Prize recipients will be presented through the Winners Showcase, together with selected Honourable Mentions.

Will there be exhibitions or publications?

Awarded and selected work may be considered for future exhibitions, photobooks, publications and other editorial projects developed by Mono Orbit.

These opportunities are subject to development, funding, venue availability and partnerships and are not guaranteed as part of each edition.

Confirmed opportunities will be announced separately.

How can I contact Mono Orbit Awards?

Mono Orbit Awards is based in Ireland and open to photographers worldwide.

For questions regarding submissions, eligibility or the award, please use the contact form or email:

mono@monoorbitawards.com