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India Photo Fest
India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Calling all photographers!

This is your chance to exhibit your work at INDIA PHOTO FEST 2025 in Kolkata. Whether you are a professional, amateur, or budding photographer, we want to see your best work.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Kolkata is one of the most prestigious art galleries in India, so this is a great opportunity for your photographs to be seen by a wide audience. This time the exhibition will be happened in all 4 galleries in ICCR Kolkata. Not only will your work be on display at the exhibition, you will also receive certificate and memento.

What’s more? Two photographs will be selected in each section for Gold and Silver award tagged with exciting prizes

Submit your photographs today for consideration!

India Photo Fest (IPF) is a national and international photography festival that brings together visual storytellers from across India and the world to celebrate the art, craft, and power of photography.

Organized by COG India Art Foundation, IPF transforms the prestigious galleries of ICCR Kolkata into a vibrant meeting ground where images speak across cultures — capturing the cultural pulse of India, the beauty and fragility of nature, the wild beyond our cities, and the boundless creativity of open expression.

Since its inception in 2022, IPF has grown into one of India’s most anticipated photography events. The 2023 edition featured participants from 23 countries, reaffirming its global reach. In 2024, the festival showcased 1,100 photographs from 500 participants and received a special visit from Sourav Ganguly, drawing widespread public and media attention.

Each year, IPF welcomes over 5,000 visitors and features diverse programming — exhibitions, cultural performances, artist talks, and interactive sessions.

Now in its 4th edition, IPF continues to offer both established and emerging photographers a platform to share their vision and be part of a growing community of visual storytellers. At its heart, IPF is more than an exhibition — it’s a dialogue in images, a bridge between communities, and a celebration of photography as a universal language.

Event Name: 
India Photo Fest 2025

Place:
ICCR, Kolkata

Date:
19-21 December 2025

Submission Deadline:

30 NOV 2025

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Ruud Zeeman

Apeldoorn, Netherlands

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Dr Bhaskar Mitra

KOLKATA, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

ABHINANDAN DAS

Barrackpore, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Shabbir Akhtar

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Atreyi Chatterjee

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Saikat

Bangaon, west-bengal, India

Exhibit on a Grand Scale: Your photograph will not only be printed and framed but also displayed at the prestigious ICCR Kolkata, where over 5,000 visitors will have the chance to admire your work.

Awards for Excellence: The top two photographs in each category will be honored with exciting prizes, recognizing your skill and creativity.

Recognition and Remembrance: Each participant will receive a certificate and a memento from COG India Art Foundation, officially registered under the Government of India, commemorating your participation in this significant event.

Opportunity to Sell: Embrace the chance to sell your photographs. Many artists saw their creations find new homes during our last event—this could be your opportunity too!

An Unforgettable Experience: Join us for a celebration of photography that promises to leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Sourav Ganguly Looking at India Photo Fest 2024

1. Culture of India

This category invites photographers to explore and capture the rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage. Images should reflect the diversity of traditions, rituals, festivals, arts, and crafts that define the various communities across the country. From the vibrant celebrations of Diwali to the serene rituals by the Ganges, submissions should tell a story of India’s cultural depth and vibrancy.

2. Human and Nature

This category focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world. Photographs should illustrate how people interact with their natural surroundings, whether it be through environment, agriculture, rural living, or outdoor recreational activities. This category seeks to showcase both the harmony and the conflicts present in the human-nature interactions within diverse ecosystems across India. Note: Pure Landscape or Nature photo is not Human and Nature category, it will be open category. Environmental Photographs are considered in Human and Nature category.

 

3. Wildlife & Conservation

This category is dedicated to India’s diverse fauna, ranging from the jungles of the Sundarbans to the deserts of Rajasthan. Entries should focus on the wild animals in their natural habitats, conservation efforts, or moments that uniquely capture the essence of India’s wildlife. It’s an opportunity to highlight the beauty and the plight of wildlife, promoting awareness and conservation.

 

4. Open theme

The open category allows for creative freedom, welcoming entries that do not necessarily fit into the other specified categories. This can include abstract photography, experimental techniques, or any subjects that showcase the photographer’s individual creativity and vision. It’s a platform for photographers to think outside the box and exhibit innovative and compelling images.

India Photo Fest 2024
  • Number of Submissions:
    • Each participant must submit a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 photographs.
    • Submissions can be across one or multiple categories.
  • Originality and Copyright:
    • All photographs must be the original work of the submitting photographer.
    • Any disputes regarding copyright will be seriously considered, and the decision of the exhibition curator will be final.
  • Acceptable Devices:
    • Photographs can be taken using any device including digital cameras, film cameras, and mobile phones.
    • The quality of the photograph should be sufficient for printing at a size of 12×18 inches.
  • Post Processing:
    • Post processed photographs and monochromes (black and white) are acceptable. However, selective coloring and morphing are not acceptable.
    • Photographs should not contain any watermarks.
  • Submission Requirements:
    • Each image file must be less than 3 MB in size. (For selection)
    • All images should be submitted in .jpg format.
    • Participants must register and submit through our designated portal.
  • Registration and Fees:
    • The registration fee is INR 100.
    • An entry fee of INR 1400 (for India) or $20 (international) is required for each selected photograph; this fee covers printing, framing, and exhibiting.
    • This fee is payable only if your photograph is selected.
  • Print Specifications:
    • Selected photographs will be printed in a matte finish at 12×18 inches or with an appropriate aspect ratio, mounted under glass. That means even if your photo is 1:1 (square) we will print the photo in 12×18 keeping white space in both sides so that your 1:1 aspect ratio will be intact.
  • Selection and Confirmation:
    • Participants will receive a confirmation email if their photographs are selected (kindly re-check your email id before submitting)
    • High-quality photographs (300dpi) and the entry fee must be submitted within 5 days of receiving the confirmation.
  • Attendance and Certificates:
    • Physical presence at the gallery during the exhibition is not mandatory but encouraged.
    • All participants will receive a physical certificates, memento and can be mailed upon request and payment of delivery costs.

No, it’s not mandatory to be physically present at the exhibition. However, we highly encourage participants to attend the event and experience the exhibition, meet fellow photographers, and be part of the celebrations.

Yes! 🎉 Every selected participant will receive an Official Certificate of Participation and an Exhibitor’s Memento as a token of appreciation from the organizers.

You can collect them in three convenient ways:

  1. On the spot: On the last day of the exhibition from our volunteers.

  2. Through a representative: You may authorize a friend or representative to collect them on your behalf on the final day.

  3. From our office: If you couldn’t attend, you can collect your items within 20 days after the exhibition from our office in Kolkata.

Yes, we offer shipping options:

  • 📦 Certificate + Memento only: ₹200 (anywhere in India)

  • 🖼️ All frames + Certificate + Memento: ₹1500 (irrespective of the number of frames)

    In this case, we will replace the glass with an acrylic cover to ensure safe delivery.

Absolutely. Just make sure your representative mentions your registered name and category at the collection desk or shares your confirmation mail/message.

The detailed event itinerary and inauguration timings will be shared by email and WhatsApp a few weeks before the exhibition. It will also be updated on our website and social pages.

Of course! The exhibition is open to all visitors. You’re warmly welcome to bring your friends, family, and photography enthusiasts to celebrate your work.

Yes. Selected photographs and artist profiles are featured on our official website and social media handles under the ‘Exhibiting Photographers’ section, giving you broader visibility.

India Photo Fest
India Photo Fest - COG India Art
India Photo Fest

To be announced once finalised.

India Photo Fest - COG India Art
India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Ruud Zeeman

Apeldoorn, Netherlands

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Dr Bhaskar Mitra

KOLKATA, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

ABHINANDAN DAS

Barrackpore, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Shabbir Akhtar

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Atreyi Chatterjee

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Saikat

Bangaon, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

ARTIKA BISWAS

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Souvik Mondal

Durgapur, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Rupsha Karmakar

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Sawon & Ankana Bhattacharyya

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

SENJUTI ROY

Berhampore, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

AMITABHA GHOSH

SURI, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Anushka Ghosh

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Praswasti Chakraborty

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Prodipta Chattopadhyay

Sodepur, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Ayudh Roy

Kochi, kerala, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Gourab Das

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Shea Savage

Tustin, United States

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Tanmoy Adhikary

Coochbehar, west-bengal, India

India Photo Fest - COG India Art

Ayanka Mondal

Kolkata, west-bengal, India

Need any help?

Talk to the curator by clicking the whatsapp button below

 


 

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