CEWE Photo Award 2027: Kick-off for the World-Renowned Photography Competition
The CEWE Photo Award once again combines established elements with new ideas. An international jury, chaired by British photographer Christie Goodwin, will select the winning images. Ten categories and the Young Talent Award offer a wide range of opportunities to showcase photographic work. Participants can submit their images in the following categories: “Architecture”, “Close-Up & Macro Photography”, “Landscapes”, “People”, “Nature & Wildlife”, “Travel & Culture”, “Sport & Action”, “Street Photography”, “Animals”, as well as, for the first time, “The World in Abstract”.
The World in Abstract: Rethinking creative perspectives
Abstract photography moves beyond the obvious and opens up new ways of seeing familiar forms and structures. Creative images are sought that use movement, light, colour, perspective or detail to create a distinctive visual effect. Subjects may be deliberately altered or reduced to produce new visual impressions. All images must be created using a camera. Collages or generated content are not permitted. The focus lies on the creative idea and its execution directly within the photograph.
Christie Goodwin, returning as President of the Jury of the CEWE Photo Award 2027, addresses photography enthusiasts worldwide: “Dust off your cameras, unleash your imagination, and let your passion for photography shine through. The CEWE Photo Award invites you to capture the inherent beauty that surrounds us in the world. We eagerly anticipate your unique perspectives, your ingenious compositions, and your extraordinary moments frozen in time. Whether it's the vibrant hues of a bustling cityscape, the serene tranquillity of nature's embrace, or the intimate moments shared between loved ones, we would love to see the beauty of our world through your eyes and lens."
The prizes of the CEWE Photo Award are being expanded to include unique photographic experiences. The main prize includes an exclusive photography trip as well as a private workshop with Christie Goodwin. The Young Talent Award is also being enhanced: the special prize includes a photography trip combined with an individual one-to-one coaching session with Ulla Lohmann.
Experienced jury with an international perspective
The winners will be selected by a jury of experienced figures from the world of photography, bringing together a range of perspectives and backgrounds.
Christie Goodwin, jury president, is one of the most recognised concert photographers worldwide. She has worked with international artists such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Usher and Katy Perry, and is known for capturing the unique energy of live performances. Her work appears regularly in leading publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. In addition to her photographic work, she is also active as a mentor to emerging photographers.
Lois Lammerhuber is an Austrian photographer, publisher and exhibition curator with extensive experience in artistic photography and photojournalism. His work has been published in more than 80 books and exhibited internationally. As a photojournalist, he has published over 3,000 reports, many of them for GEO magazine. He has played a key role in the success of the “La Gacilly-Baden Photo” festival, one of Europe’s largest photography festivals, which combines photography and art. He also founded the OPEN YOUR EYES festival in Zurich, dedicated to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and has initiated the Global Peace Photo Award for many years.
Ulla Lohmann, renowned adventure photographer and volcanologist, is known for her fearless expeditions to active volcanoes. Her work regularly appears in publications such as National Geographic, GEO, BBC Earth and The New York Times. Her images capture the raw power of nature and life in volcanic regions. As a speaker and author, she inspires audiences worldwide with stories and photographs from some of the most remote places on earth.
Jimmy Nelson is an internationally renowned artist whose work is driven by respect, curiosity and deep human connection. For over 30 years, he has travelled to remote regions worldwide to collaborate with unique communities. After working as a conflict photographer, he shifted his focus to celebrating beauty, identity and the relationship between people and nature, using analogue large‑format cameras. Since 2010, his global collaborations have resulted in the acclaimed books Before They Pass Away, Homage to Humanity and Between the Sea and the Sky. Exhibited worldwide, his work creates a lasting visual legacy and encourages greater appreciation of cultural diversity and our shared humanity.
JC Pieri is a French photographer with a strong focus on nature, wildlife and remote environments. His career began in extreme sports photography before shifting towards nature and environmental storytelling. His work is characterised by a precise visual style and a keen sense of light and atmosphere. In addition to his photography, he is involved in conservation initiatives and shares his knowledge through his own educational platform.
Thomas Mehls has been CEO of the CEWE Group since 2025 and has been a member of the board since 2014. He is responsible for areas including marketing and sustainability and plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction. He has been closely involved with the CEWE Photo Award from the beginning and actively supports its development. His enthusiasm for photography and travel is reflected in his commitment to making photography accessible and encouraging people to share their perspectives.
Participation and submission phase
The submission phase runs from 6 May 2026 to 31 May 2027. During this period, both amateur and professional photographers can submit their images and share their own perspective. Following the strong participation in previous years, a high number of submissions is expected once again. 1,000 prizes with a total value of around 250,000 euros will be awarded.
More information: www.cewephotoaward.com
