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The philosophy behind the competition
This exceptionally long germination period, which is unique in the context of a photography competition, enables the winner to create a long-term project.
Documentary photography is a long-term undertaking and does not necessarily echo current events. It is the fruit of a personal vision, but one which is crucial to the world.
FIDAL has chosen to create a competition to promote this form of photography by aiding a photographer to produce their work on a subject imbued with meaning.
The winner will be awarded a grant of 20,000 euros. This grant will enable them to complete their project within a period of two years. The winner will also be provided with legal assistance from FIDAL during these two years.
The timetable
From April to May
Submission of applications on the site
Mid-June
Jury deliberation
During the first week of July
Announcement of the winner
Who can enter?
This competition is open to all photographers having already completed a number of projects and proposing a complete reportage project in the field of documentary photography – i.e. one linked to reality.
Five finalists will be selected and interviewed by a jury composed of photography professionals and FIDAL members. Following these interviews, the jury will select a winner from among the five finalists.
What does the prize consist of?
The winner will be awarded a grant of 20,000 euros. This grant will enable them to complete their project within a period of two years.
It will also be promoted in Fisheye magazine, the photography lifestyle magazine and FIDAL Photo partner. The winner will also be provided with legal assistance from FIDAL during these two years.
Dominique Davodet
Regional Director for FIDAL Paris
Catherine Auvolat
Lawyer
Éric Karsenty
Editor in chief of "Fisheye Magazine"
Philippe Chancel
2017 Winner
Elisabeth Bonan
FIDAL Lawyer
Rémy Fenzy
Director of l'école national supérieure de la photographie d'Arles
Mélanie Grassi
Art historian and modern and contemporary art dealer
The jury
The FIDAL Prize for Documentary Photography’s jury is made up of professionnal photographers as well as members of FIDAL’s office. The jury, which is attached to identifying emerging talents, will assess the artistic personality of each and every candidate as well as their originality and the uniqueness of their viewpoint.