HCMC International Photo Contest launched with strict ban on AI-generated images

Endorsed by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), the Photographic Society of America (PSA), and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA), the contest is open to photographers worldwide.

Doan Hoai Trung, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Photographic Association, stated that the competition aims to promote tourism and cultural images of Vietnam and the world, showcase the country's land and people, and highlight HCM City's achievements in integration, development, and its new era.

Submissions are accepted across four digital categories: Open Color, Open Monochrome, Portrait, and Action. Entrants may submit up to four images per category, with each photo restricted to a single category. The organizing committee strictly prohibits works created using AI technology prompts.

Entries must be submitted online at http://hopavnphotocontest.com by 11:59 PM on October 15, 2026. The international judging panel covers prominent photographers from Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Spain, and Hong Kong (China).

The contest will award 107 prizes, including the FIAP Blue Badge for the best-performing author. Award structures across the four categories comprise medals and honorable mentions sponsored by FIAP, PSA, VAPA, and HOPA.

The awarding ceremony and exhibition opening are scheduled to take place within the framework of the Ho Chi Minh City International Photography Festival on November 22, 2026.

HCM City launches first International Photo Contest

VOV.VN - The debut version of the Ho Chi Minh City International Photo Contest 2021 has opened for all amateur and professional photographers from around the world.