The KBr Photo Award Supports Documentary Photography Aimed at Generating Critical Reflection

Promoted by Fundación MAPFRE, The KBr Photo Award is a biennial international prize that recognizes and supports authors with a professional career, offering a €25,000 cash prize, two major exhibitions, and a published catalogue.

The KBr Photo Award seeks to contribute to a critical and in-depth understanding of the social, political, territorial, and environmental phenomena of our time, transcending mere testimony. Open for applications until 1 September, the third edition welcomes photographers whose work shows artistic values of special interest within the tradition of documentary photography, and with at least one solo exhibition or a previously published work. Applicants should either plan to carry out a new photographic project or complete one already in progress. In both cases, the work must be unpublished and not submitted to any other similar competition. Coordinator Telmo Sánchez Ugalde explains the submission criteria, giving insights to prospective applicants:

Although the award does not impose a specific theme, preference is given to projects rooted in the documentary photography tradition. This is understood not merely as a means of recording the visible world, but as a practice capable of analyzing and questioning social, cultural, and political realities. In this context, documentary photography is valued for its ability to generate critical reflection beyond simple representation and to offer new perspectives on contemporary society.

The KBr Photo Award recognizes the crucial stages for undertaking long-term projects with greater freedom. By offering a €25,000 financial support, the prize aims to significantly enhance the artist's national and international visibility and foster their professional development. In addition, the selected project will be exhibited in two emblematic venues in Spain, including Espai 2 at the KBr Fundación MAPFRE in Barcelona (February 2027) and Fundación MAPFRE’s exhibition halls in Madrid (June 2027).

Additionally, a catalogue will be published by Fundación MAPFRE, potentially with co-editions in other languages that will serve as an international platform to promote the artist’s work. Several of the works from the exhibition will also be incorporated into the foundation’s permanent photography collection. “These opportunities not only offer high-level visibility but also provide artists with a chance to consolidate their professional trajectory through rigorous institutional support and dissemination within the international art and publishing circuits”, explains Sánchez Ugalde.

In previous editions, Anastasia Samoylova (2021) and Felipe Romero Beltrán (2023) were selected as prize recipients. Both photographers presented projects that were still in development but showed a strong and well-articulated conceptual foundation. We asked for some insights into the qualities that have been valued in their projects.

The jury particularly appreciated the clarity of each artist’s intention, the coherence between form and content, and their ability to produce a rigorous visual reflection. Even though their proposals were not yet fully realized, they revealed a mature vision and strong potential for future execution.

Sánchez Ugalde continues, “In the case of Anastasia Samoylova, the jury valued her visual and conceptual approach to contemporary urban landscapes and environmental impact, especially in the context of post-documentary photography. Her work combines precise aesthetics with a critical narrative about 21st-century cities and globalization. Felipe Romero Beltrán, on the other hand, was recognized for his project Bravo, which visually investigates the U.S.–Mexico border. Moving away from conventional migration narratives, he focused instead on the liminal and everyday experiences surrounding the border. His project stands out for its unique approach, exploring sociopolitical tensions through the body and territory—qualities that are closely aligned with the objectives of the award.”

However, are there any common mistakes future applicants should avoid? Photographers are advised to submit a clear, original, and coherent proposal that pairs a strong concept with high-quality visual execution. Their project must convey a personal and deeply considered perspective, enabling the jury to grasp the strong motivation and the work's potential. Adherence to all formal guidelines—including the recommendation letter, deadlines, and a curated selection of high-resolution images—is fundamental.

It is highly recommended that applicants present a preliminary exploration of their subject matter whether through early images, visual studies, or textual reflections that offers insight into the project’s future development. This initial approach not only gives the jury greater clarity about the direction of the work but also demonstrates the artist’s commitment, planning, and capacity to see the project through.

This year's judging panel brings together experts like Diane Dufour (Co-Director of LE BAL), Ramón Reverté (Editor at Editorial RM), Krzysztof Candrowicz (Independent Curator), Gabriela Urtiaga (Chief Curator of the Museum of Latin American Art – MOLAA in Los Angeles), and Carlos Gollonet (Chief Curator of Photography at Fundación MAPFRE).

The application period will be open for 3 months, from 1 June to 1 September 2025, with the prize recipient to be selected in October 2025. All applicants will be notified of the decision, and the results—also featuring three other finalists—will be announced on the Fundación MAPFRE website and other media. The selected photographer will then have until September 2026 to develop and complete the project.

Find out more and read the complete guidelines on Fundación MAPFRE's website.