Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published Photography Book Award

When Henri Cartier-Bresson published The Decisive Moment in 1952, the result of a collaboration with a major arts publisher, he created a work that was as striking and singular in its quality as in what it represented: the affirmation of photography as an art
form in its own right, beyond its documentary function.
Henri Cartier-Bresson would go on to publish other influential books, a testament to his deep interest in the photography book as a work of art and a natural extension of the photographic act. In this spirit, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson places great importance on the photobook, both through its programming and the richness of its bookshop.

In 2025, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson is launching the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award, which is annually awarded to a self-published photography book released during that calendar year. With this award, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson supports artists who take the risk of producing and distributing books outside traditional publishing networks, and continues its mission to champion contemporary creation in photography.

SPONSORS

This award is part of a selection of programmes enabled by

 

With the support of

FUNCTIONING AND GRANT

The call for entries for the first edition of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award is open from June 16 to October 31, 2025.

Selected by a jury composed of five professionals from the fields of photography and publishing, the winner of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award will receive a prize of €8,000.

The winner is invited to participate in a “Feuilletage”, a public program during which a photographer reflects on the creation of one of their books, discussing the image selection, layout choices and sequencing.

The winning book, as well as those of the shortlisted candidates, will be featured as part of a weekend event honouring the art of self-published photobooks.

 

2025 CALL FOR ENTRIES

The call for entries for the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published Photography Book Award is open from June 16 to October 31, 2025.

 

ELIGIBILITY

The Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published PhotoBook Award
is open to any individual or collective of any age and nationality
who has self-published a photography book that meets the following criteria:

  • The book was published between October 2024 and October 2025
  • At least 10 copies of the book have been printed
  • The book is available for sale online or in bookstores

 

Book mock-ups or prototypes are not accepted.

Multiple books that meet the above criteria may be submitted by the same individual or collective. In such cases, a separate online application form must be completed for each book submitted for the jury’s consideration.

 

CALENDAR

  • From June 16 to October 31, 2025: Call for entries
  • December 2025: Selection of the winner and shortlisted candidates by the jury
  • January 2026: Announcement of the winner and shortlisted candidates
  • January 23 – 26, 2026: “Feuilletage” with the winner, along with a celebration of the awarded and shortlisted books during a weekend celebrating self-publishing.

 

RULES
Submitting a book implies full and unconditional acceptance of all the conditions outlined below.

Submissions for the Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published Photography Book Award must include two mandatory steps: completing the online form and sending the book by post.

1. Online form

  • Applications must be submitted exclusively via the dedicated form on the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson website. 
  • Incomplete forms will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required materials are included in their application; applicants will not be notified of missing elements.
  • All components of the application must be written in French or English. Any document in another language must be accompanied by a translation.


2. Postal submission

  • The copy of the book must be sent to the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson by post and postmarked no later than October 31, 2025. Any book sent after this deadline will be excluded from the competition.
  • Each copy submitted will become the property of the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson and will not be returned. These books will be available for consultation during a dedicated event at the Fondation.
  • Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required materials are included in the package; applicants will not be notified of missing elements.
  • Any unpaid customs fees upon receipt of the package will result in disqualification.

 

CONTENT

The online form must include all the following:

  • A written presentation of the project (maximum 1,500 characters)
  • Technical details of the book (title, publication date, format, etc.)
  • A short biography (maximum 1,000 characters)

 

The postal submission must include:

  • A copy of the book
  • A note with the book title and the applicant’s contact information

 

Submissions should be sent to the following address:

Henri Cartier-Bresson Self-Published Photography Book Award
Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson
79 rue des Archives
75003 Paris
FRANCE

 

For any questions regarding the application form or eligibility, please write to the following address:
prixdulivre@henricartierbresson.org