Photography

The TOTO Awards for Photography, which were inaugurated in 2008 in association with Tasveer, have applauded photographers who have evoked mood, told stories, documented important histories or practices, and extended the medium to include texts, graphics and other interventions in the space of the image. The jurors for these awards, which are given for a thematically connected series of photographs, comprise established photographers, curators, critics, architects and leaders of prominent photography organisations.

2026 Call for Entries – Photography

Organized by: Toto Funds the Arts (TFA)
Award Prize: ₹60,000 (two winners)
Deadline: 30 September 2025 [CLOSED]

ABOUT THE AWARD: The Toto Award for Photography was started to celebrate original and compelling photographic work by young creators. This non-commercial, not-for-profit award celebrates emerging talent in the photographic medium, supporting artists who bring a distinct vision, style, and voice to their work.

WHO CAN  APPLY: 

  • Age: Candidates between the ages of 18 and 29 years old. To be eligible, your date of birth must be on/between 1 January 1996 and 1 January 2008.
    (No exceptions will be made.)
  • Citizenship: We can only accept applications from Indian citizens.
    (Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible to apply.)
  • You must apply yourself. Entries sent by galleries or agencies will be disqualified.

WHAT TO SUBMIT: 

You must submit still images created entirely by you. This can include:

  • Black-and-white or colour photographs, or a mix of the two.
  • You may submit one or two series of photographs, each comprising a minimum of 8 and maximum of 16 images.
  • The submitted images must form a series on the same theme, edited in the same style.
    • Do not submit a random assortment of unrelated images.
    • Moving images and video art will not be accepted.

Allowed file formats :

  1. Still images: JPEG or PNG
  2. Technical specifications for submissions:
  • Maximum file size: 1 MB
  • Resolution: 72 dpi
  • Maximum dimension (long side): 1500 pixels

What is NOT allowed :

  • AI-generated images
  • Photographs taken for advertisements or commercial use
  • Images that infringe any copyright
  • Previously submitted series (if you’ve applied in earlier years). Applicants must submit entirely new work each time they apply.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Images: Submit upto 2 series, each comprising:
  • Minimum: 8 images
  • Maximum: 16 images
  1. Title: Choose a title (maximum 10 words) that your submission is based on.
    Example: “Rain the desert”
  2. Artist statement: In a minimum of 250 words, describe your series of images, sharing your vision, process, and the meaning behind your work to give viewers insight into your creative practice.

Important :

  1. Do not include your name or watermark on any submitted work
  2. You must own full and unconditional copyright for all submitted work
  3. Ensure your submission adheres to the technical and format requirements outlined in the “What to Submit” section

HOW TO SUBMIT : 

Fill out the online application form to upload your work :
THE CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR 2026 ARE NOW CLOSED. LONGLISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER FOR ALL CATEGORIES.

Note: Ensure all images meet the format and size guidelines before uploading.

AFTER YOU APPLY : 

  • The jury’s decision is final and cannot be contested in any forum.
  • Winning entries may be featured on the TFA website, blog, and related promotional materials—with full credit to the artist.
  • You retain full copyright of your work.
  • If you are selected as the winner, you are required to mention the “TOTO Award for Photography 2026” whenever your winning images are exhibited or published, for two years following the award.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

  • Can I submit AI-generated work?
     No. Any work that is entirely generated using AI tools will be disqualified.
  • Can I include GIFs?
     No. GIFs will not be considered for the Photography Award.
  • Can I submit work I made for a client or commercial project?
     No. Commercial or commissioned work is not allowed. Submit only personal, original, non-commercial creations.  
  • Can I resubmit images I entered in a previous year?
    If you’ve applied before, you can apply again unless you have already won the award. However, you must submit entirely new work if reapplying.
  • What does “Maximum dimension (long side): 1500 pixels” mean?
     It means your image’s largest dimension—either width or height—must not exceed 1500 pixels.
  • Do I need to complete both the form and email my work?
    No. Simply fill out the online form and upload your work there. Email applications will not be accepted. 
  • I am/will be studying abroad. Can I still apply?
    Yes. If you are temporarily abroad for education or short-term courses, you are still eligible to apply. However, if you have permanently moved abroad or are no longer a resident of India, you are not eligible.

QUESTIONS?

For any clarifications, email us at photography.tfa@gmail.com.