MONOCHROME REMOVES THE NOISE
WHAT IS THE ORBIT 12?
THE ORBIT 12 is the final selection of each MONO ORBIT AWARDS edition. Twelve photographers are selected from all eligible submissions. Three of them receive the MONO ORBIT AWARDS.
WHAT IS THE PATRON COMMISSION?
The PATRON COMMISSION is a developing part of the MONO ORBIT AWARDS programme. It may offer a selected photographer the opportunity to create new work with MONO ORBIT and an Annual Patron. It is separate from the award selection process.
DOES A PATRON TAKE PART IN THE AWARD SELECTION?
No. Any future Annual Patron will have no influence over the selection of THE ORBIT 12 or the recipients of the MONO ORBIT AWARDS.
WHO CAN ENTER?
Mono Orbit Awards is open to photographers aged 18 and over from anywhere in the world. Professional and amateur photographers are equally welcome.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT THEME?
The current edition is EMISSION. Submitted photographs must meaningfully respond to the theme and relate to the built environment.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES?
No. Mono Orbit Awards has one theme and one shared selection process. Documentary, conceptual and other photographic approaches are considered together.
HOW MANY PHOTOGRAPHS CAN I SUBMIT?
You can submit between 1 and 4 photographs with one entry. You do not need to submit all four.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?
The entry fee is €20 in total. The fee is the same whether you submit one, two, three or four photographs. There is no additional fee for the second, third or fourth photograph.
DO I NEED A PAYPAL ACCOUNT TO ENTER?
No. You can pay the €20 entry fee by debit or credit card without creating a PayPal account.
When paying by card, PayPal may ask for your email address as part of its guest checkout process. The email address is used to send payment confirmation and does not require you to create a PayPal account.
ARE THE PHOTOGRAPHS JUDGED INDIVIDUALLY?
Yes. Each photograph is considered on its own merit in relation to the current theme and the overall editorial perspective of the award.
DO MY PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE TO BE MONOCHROME?
Yes. Mono Orbit Awards is exclusively dedicated to monochrome photography.
WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHS CAN I SUBMIT?
We welcome photographs exploring the built environment, including architecture, infrastructure, industry, public space, transport, construction, energy and human-shaped landscapes. The interpretation may be documentary or conceptual, but the relationship to the current theme should be meaningful.
WHAT ARE THE FILE REQUIREMENTS?
Photographs must be submitted as JPG files, up to 3000 px on the longest side, maximum 4 MB, in sRGB. Images must not contain watermarks, logos, borders or identifying text.
CAN I SUBMIT ANALOGUE PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes. Both digital and analogue photography are accepted.
CAN I SUBMIT AI-GENERATED IMAGES?
No. Images generated entirely by artificial intelligence are not permitted. The photograph must originate from your own photographic work. Standard photographic post-production is permitted.
CAN I CHANGE MY PHOTOGRAPHS AFTER UPLOADING THEM?
Yes, while your entry remains a draft. You can add, remove or replace photographs after selecting Save. Once you click Enter the competition and confirm your final submission, your photographs are locked and can no longer be changed.
DOES SAVING MY ENTRY SUBMIT IT TO THE COMPETITION?
No. Save keeps your entry as a draft. To complete your submission, you must click Enter the competition and confirm your entry.
WILL I RECEIVE CONFIRMATION?
Yes. You will receive a confirmation email after your final entry has been successfully submitted.
DO I KEEP THE COPYRIGHT TO MY PHOTOGRAPHS?
Yes. You retain copyright to your work. By entering, you grant Mono Orbit Awards a non-exclusive licence to use submitted photographs for purposes connected with the award, its editorial coverage, promotion, exhibitions and publications, as described in the Terms and Conditions.
WHAT ARE THE CASH AWARDS?
First Prize - €900
Second Prize - €700
Third Prize - €500
Total cash awards - €2,100
DO I NEED A WEBSITE OR PORTFOLIO?
No. A website or portfolio is optional. You can add one to your account profile if you would like us to be able to discover more of your work.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE FULL RULES?
Full eligibility requirements, entry conditions, copyright provisions, prize conditions and other rules are available in the Terms and Conditions.
