Boutographies Open Call 2027

Boutographies is a photography festival in Montpellier, France, known for discovering European photographers. Its open call for the 2027 festival is open to amateur and professional photographers from Europe or living in Europe, with no set theme. Selected photographers are exhibited at the festival and can win prizes including purchases of their work up to €5,500. The application fee is €23 and the deadline is 22 November 2026.

The festival is organised by the Grain d'Image association and takes place in the Boutonnet district of Montpellier.

Who Can Apply to Boutographies?

All amateur or professional photographers from Europe or resident in Europe. There is no theme, so any photographic project can be submitted. It is particularly relevant to:

• Emerging photographers with a coherent series
• Documentary and fine art photographers
• Photographers looking for their first festival exhibition

Entry Fees

€23 per application.

What Do Selected Photographers Receive?

• Exhibition at the festival in Montpellier
• Three days of accommodation during the festival
• Transport of works to and from the festival
• Priority access to portfolio readings
• Prizes: purchases of works up to €5,500, production assistance, paid publications and €100 royalties
• Sales: works sold in the festival bookshop (97% returned to photographers) and online bookstore (85%)

Photographers selected for projections receive one day of accommodation and partner prizes. One work may also be shown in Arles, subject to an ongoing partnership.

Submission Requirements

Apply through the online open call with a selection of images from one project and a short description. Read the full rules for image numbers and formats.

Why Apply?

Festival exhibitions are one of the best ways for photographers to build a career, and Boutographies has a strong record of showing new names. The practical support (accommodation, transport of works and sales with high returns) makes it a realistic opportunity for photographers without a gallery.

How to Prepare Your Application

Submit one strong project rather than a selection of your best single images. Edit for coherence and rhythm, and write a short statement that explains the idea in plain language. Festival juries see many submissions; a clear concept and consistent visual approach help your work stand out.

About the Festival

Boutographies is organised by Grain d'Image, a Montpellier association dedicated to photography. The festival combines exhibitions, projections, portfolio readings and prizes from partners.

What the Jury Looks For

The jury selects work for exhibition and projection, looking for photographers with a personal voice and a project that holds together. Because there is no theme, the quality and coherence of the series is everything. Show work that is resolved: a clear subject, a consistent approach and an edit that has been tested on other people. Projects still in progress can be submitted, but they should already feel like a body of work.

Visiting Montpellier During the Festival

If you are selected, plan to attend. Portfolio readings, meetings with other photographers and visitors buying prints are among the most valuable parts of any festival, and Montpellier is easy to reach by train from across France and Europe.

Selections are announced well before the festival, giving photographers time to prepare prints with the organisers. Check the call page for the full list of partner prizes, which change from year to year.

Things to Consider

• Europe only: you must be from Europe or live there.
• No theme: submit your strongest project.
• Fee: €23 per application.
• Deadline: 22 November 2026.

Apply to the Open Call

Ready to apply?

Apply to Boutographies

For the full rules and application form, visit the official open call page.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 28, 2026