Why Participate
In celebration of photography’s universal spirit, submissions remain completely free for this edition, reaffirming ZIPA’s commitment to accessibility and artistic inclusion. The awards honour photographers whose work pushes creative boundaries, evokes emotion, and enriches contemporary visual culture — offering opportunities for gallery exhibition, international publication and global recognition.
1
Exhibition in art gallery.
2
publication in magazine.
3
publication in book.
4
certificate & badge.
5
exclusive Interview
categories
Fine Art Photography
Abstract Photography
Conceptual Photography
Minimalist Photography
Street Photography
Classic/Decisive Moment
Documentary/Photojournalism
Street Portrait
Fashion & Portrait
Fashion Photography
Classic Portrait
Self-portrait
ZIPA 2026
expands submission categories from 5 in its inaugural edition to a thoughtfully curated
18 categories,
increasing your chances of winning or getting recognized manifold!
Nature Photography
Landscape Photography
Aerial/Drone Photography
Wildlife/Macro Photography
Travel Photography
Urbanscapes
Architecture Photography
Travel Photography
Special Categories
Wedding Photography
Sports / Adventure Photography
Book/Zine Publication
Awards & Accolades
Each category will have three awards – Gold, Silver and Bronze in that order. Among these category winners, we will select the first-place and second-place winner, which will be the Winner and Runner-up of ZIPA 2026. In addition, we will recognize five ‘Jury-selected Work‘, seven ‘Shortlisted Work ‘ and three ‘Editor’s Choice ‘ for each submission category.
art Gallery exhibition
Gold winners in each category, will have their work exhibited in a prestigious art gallery in India.
Magazine publication
Gold and Silver winners in each category and images selected as Editor’s Choice, will be published in the August 2026 issue of Creative Zyne magazine.
Award Book publication
All winning and recognised work will be published in ZIPA 2026 annual award book.
certificates & badges
All winning and recognised work will receive Cetificate of Merit with appropriate ZIPA badge.
Magazine & Blog interview
Among all the winners, a few may be selected for an interview with Creative Zyne magazine and Creative Genes blog, showcasing their work.
Media Coverage & Feature
Award announcement and exhibition will have wide news media coverage, and selected work may be featured across our websites and blog.
Meet the Judges!
ZIPA in its 2nd edition, marks a defining leap forward with an expanded international jury of 16 globally eminent photographers. Representing diverse genres and perspectives, this distinguished collective brings together some of the most influential voices in contemporary photography, setting a refined global benchmark for recognising photographic excellence.
1March
CONTEST OPENS
31May
CONTEST DEADLINE
30 June
RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
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