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Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2027 (LOBA)

The Leica Oskar Barnack Award is one of the longest-running documentary photography awards in Europe, founded in 1979 and named after the inventor of the 35 mm camera. Entry is by nomination: international experts propose series of 15 to 20 images on the relationship between people and their environment, and photo schools nominate for the Newcomer award. The 2026 edition went to Damir Faizulin (main award, 40,000 euros) and Laila AnnMarie Stevens (Newcomer), with the ceremony in Wetzlar in October 2026. The 2027 edition is not yet announced; following last year's calendar, nominations should complete in February and submissions should open in February 2027.

AI banned
Deadline
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Authenticity policy

AI policy

it must not be used artificial intelligence (“AI”), neither to create nor to edit the photographs nor in any other way,

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

The 2026 terms and conditions (PDF) ban artificial intelligence outright, both for creating and for editing the photographs, and every entrant warrants on submission that no AI was used. Editing is limited to basic raw conversions, defined as colour intensity, cropping, colour corrections and adjustments of light and shadows. RAW files are not requested. The 2027 terms were not yet published at the time of checking; the 2026 PDF is the current rules document.

Verified on November 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2027 (LOBA) allow AI-generated images?
No. Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2027 (LOBA) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
How much does it cost to enter Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2027 (LOBA)?
Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2027 (LOBA) is free to enter.

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