The Icon Photography Prize, supported by Getty Images, returns in 2026 celebrating the skill, craftsmanship and expertise that underpin conservation practice.
Generously supported by:
This year's theme, Skills at Risk, invites photographers to explore the specialist techniques, traditional crafts and practical knowledge that are increasingly rare, overlooked or vulnerable to being lost. Whether capturing the hands-on expertise of conservators, the transmission of skills between generations, or the meticulous processes that preserve our shared heritage, we encourage submissions that highlight the value of these endangered skills and the people who keep them alive.
Photography has the power to document not only objects and collections, but also the knowledge, care and technical skill that sustain them. Through your lens, we invite you to reveal the skill behind conservation work and shine a light on practices whose future depends on continued recognition, support and transmission. With the generous support of Getty Images, this year's Prize offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your work and celebrate the expertise at the heart of conservation.
Re-installation of Iron: Man by Antony Gormley
Mid-treatment, carefully warming the Chinese incised polychrome (kaun cai) lacquer surface with a heated spatula.
Railings of Dowdeswell church after flame cleaning, prior to straightening.
Adaption of lab facilities in order to access the entirety of Charles Lindbergh's 1927 rubber Airraft during a routine clean
Two prizes will be awarded, the Overall Winner selected by the judges and the People's Choice award selected by the Icon membership.
The overall winner will be awarded a £500 cash prize generously provided by this year's Photography Prize sponsor, Getty Images, a £150 voucher to use on Icon membership or training events, and the chance to have their image featured on the cover of Iconnect magazine. The Members' Choice winner will receive a £300 cash prize and a £150 voucher.
Prizes will be awarded at the Icon Winter Reception on Thursday 26 November at the October Gallery in London.
How to apply
The deadline for submissions is on Friday 30 October 2026 at 10am. Submissions must be made via the form below.
Submission form > Icon Photography Prize 2026 Submission form
Technical Requirements
Please review the technical requirements below before submitting your image to ensure your entry meets the competition criteria and is eligible for judging.
- JPEG (.jpg) format
- Minimum 3000 pixels on the longest edge
- Minimum file size (1MB)
- Colour or black-and-white images accepted
- Images must be the entrant's own work
- AI-generated images are not eligible
- One image per submission
Practical Tips for Entrants
Helpful tips for creating and submitting your best photograph can be found below, including advice on image quality, composition and exhibition suitability.
Use the highest-quality image available: Submit the largest, highest-resolution version of your photograph. Images may be displayed online, in print and as part of the Photography Prize exhibition, so higher-resolution files are preferred.
Check image sharpness: Ensure the main subject is in focus and that any motion blur is intentional.
Mind your lighting: Good lighting can make a dramatic difference. Natural light often works well, but avoid heavy shadows or blown-out highlights where possible.
Consider the background: A cluttered background can distract from the subject. Think carefully about what is included in the frame.
Keep post-processing light: Basic adjustments to brightness, contrast and colour are fine, but avoid excessive filters or editing that changes the authenticity of the scene.
Get permission where required: If identifiable people appear in your photograph, make sure you have their permission to submit and exhibit the image.
Think exhibition-sized: Ask yourself whether the image would still be impactful when printed and viewed from a distance. Strong composition and a clear focal point are particularly important.
Judging Panel
The competition will be judged by a panel chaired by Michael Osbaldeston. The panel is comprised of:
- Ian Clark
- Rebecca Goddard
- Emma Jhita
- Amy Neal
- Getty Images Representative (TBC)
Terms and Conditions
1. Eligibility
- The Icon Photography Prize 2026 ("the Competition") is open to amateur and professional photographers aged 18 years and over.
- Employees of Icon, its partners, judges, sponsors and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter.
- Entry is free unless otherwise stated by the organiser.
2. Theme
- Entries must respond to the theme "Skills at Risk", highlighting skills, techniques, knowledge or traditions that are at risk of being lost or overlooked.
3. Entry Requirements
- Photographs must be submitted in JPEG (.jpg) format.
- Images must have a minimum of 3,000 pixels on the longest edge and a minimum file size of 1MB.
- Colour and black-and-white photographs are accepted.
- Entrants may submit one photograph as specified in the submission guidelines.
- Images must have been taken by the entrant and must be their original work.
- Minor editing, including adjustments to brightness, contrast, colour balance and cropping, is permitted.
- Images generated wholly or substantially using artificial intelligence (AI) are not eligible.
- The organiser reserves the right to reject entries that do not meet the technical requirements or theme.
4. Permissions and Responsibilities
- Entrants are responsible for obtaining permission from any identifiable individuals featured in their photographs where required.
- Entrants must ensure that their submission does not infringe any copyright, trademark, privacy or other legal rights of any third party.
- By entering, entrants warrant that the information provided is accurate and that they have the authority to submit the image.
5. Copyright and Usage Rights
- Copyright remains with the photographer.
- By entering the Competition, entrants grant Icon a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to reproduce, publish, display, exhibit and promote submitted photographs in any media for purposes connected with the Competition, the Photography Prize, and Icon's charitable, educational and promotional activities.
- Where reasonably practicable, photographers will be credited when their images are used.
- Entrants acknowledge that submitted images may be displayed online, in print, in exhibitions, in publicity materials and across social media channels.
6. Judging and Awards
- Entries will be judged by a panel appointed by the organiser.
- Judging will be based on photographic quality, creativity, relevance to the theme and overall impact.
- The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
- The organiser reserves the right not to award a prize if, in the judges' opinion, no entry meets the required standard.
7. Data Protection
- Personal information submitted as part of the entry process will be used solely for the administration of the Competition and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and Icon's Privacy Policy.
- Contact details may be used to notify entrants of competition results and related communications.
8. General
- The organiser reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions or cancel the Competition where necessary due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
- Entry into the Competition constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
- Any matters not covered by these Terms and Conditions will be determined by the organiser at its sole discretion.
Organiser: The Institute of Conservation
Competition: Icon Photography Prize 2026
Contact: [email protected]