We live in an age when everything appears accessible, shareable, free.
Images move across borders, amplified by screens, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.
But what does freedom really mean today, when every gesture, every photograph, every word can be traced, archived, sold, replicated?
F(R)EE — the theme of I Love Photography 2026 — plays on the double reading of free and fee to explore the value of freedom in a world where even what is “free” has a cost.
A cost that is often invisible: the loss of intimacy, identity, and control over one’s own image.
Through exhibitions, conversations, and visual projects, the Festival invites us to consider how photography can still be an act of freedom.
Freedom of seeing. Freedom of thinking. Freedom of expression.
Freedom to cross the boundaries imposed by technology, the market, or aesthetic conventions.
In an age dominated by automated images and generative models, F(R)EE calls for a return to a more conscious way of seeing:
it is not enough to be free — we must choose how, and why, to be free.
Every photograph becomes a declaration of independence — both political and poetic.
An invitation to reclaim the right to see, create, and think, without surrendering the value of our freedom.
Project submission deadline: January 15, 2026
Jury meeting: January 29, 2026
Exhibition: March 6–8, 2026 · Porta Palio, Verona | Italy
Award ceremony: Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM, held during the I Love Photography Festival 2026
Art. 1 – Description and Purpose of the Award
I Love Photography is an international community of Photo Lovers promoting the third edition of the Photography Award “F(R)EE – The Cost of Freedom in the Age of Images,” as part of the sixth edition of the I Love Photography Festival, taking place in Verona — Porta Palio on March 6, 7, and 8, 2026.
The Award was created as a space for dialogue, growth, and reflection among photographers and photography enthusiasts from all over the world.
The theme of this edition, “F(R)EE – The Cost of Freedom in the Age of Images,” invites participants to explore the deeper meaning of freedom in its multiple dimensions — individual, collective, political, and inner.
Art. 2 – Participation Requirements and Application Procedure
The Call for Entries is open to all participants aged 18 and over, regardless of nationality.
Each applicant may submit only one photographic project, consisting of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 images, accompanied by a title and a short descriptive text (up to 600 characters).
All photographic styles and visual languages are welcome, including reportage, portraiture, conceptual photography, storytelling, documentary work, and experimental approaches.
Submissions must be made exclusively online by completing the dedicated application form available on the website www.ilovephotography.eu
For further information:
ilovephotography.eu@gmail.com – Phone: +39 045 8003906
Art. 3 – Entry Fee
The Award is free to enter.
Art. 4 – Selection and Exhibition
All submitted works will be evaluated by an internal Festival jury composed of photography professionals, artists, and educators.
The winning projects will be exhibited during the Festival at the Porta Palio venues in Verona.
The placement, dimensions, printing methods, and exhibition setup will be determined at the discretion of the curatorial committee.
The organization will be responsible for all printing and exhibition installation costs.
Art. 5 – Technical Specifications of the Photographs
Image files must be submitted in JPEG format, with a maximum size of 1 MB per image.
Files must be named using the following format:
LastName_FirstName_ProjectTitle_SequenceNumber.jpg
Art. 6 – Content and Copyright
Each author is solely responsible for the content of their images and releases the organizers from any liability.
The following photographs are not eligible:
The works submitted may be used by the organizers of the I Love Photography Award for promotional and cultural purposes (we
By submitting the images, the participant authorizes printing and use for purposes related to the promotion of the Festival.
Art. 7 – The Jury
The Jury shall consist of a maximum of five members, selected from among photography professionals, artists, and educators.
The President of the Jury will be appointed by majority vote.
The Jury will evaluate the admitted projects, select the finalists, and designate the three winners of the F(R)EE Award 2026.
The Jury may also award special mentions to particularly deserving projects.
The Jury’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Art. 8 – Awards
The award ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Porta Palio in Verona, during the I Love Photography Festival 2026.
Art. 9 – Final Provisions
Participation in the Award implies full acceptance of these rules.
Any organizational, logistical, or technical changes will be communicated through the official website www.ilovephotography.eu
