Un/Fund 05 Photobook Publishing Open Call

Un/Fund is a publishing open call that turns one photographer's body of work into a fully published photobook. For its fifth edition, Un/Fund 05 works with the independent publisher Witty Books, and covers all production costs for the selected photographer, with professional guidance on editing, sequencing, materials and distribution. The call is open internationally to early-career photographers who have not yet published a photobook. The entry fee is €10 and the deadline is 18 November 2026.

Completed and in-progress projects are both accepted, and no book dummy is needed.

Who Can Apply to Un/Fund?

Unrepresented, early-career photographers and creative duos from any country, with up to seven years of professional practice (career breaks are not counted), who have not yet published a photobook. It is particularly relevant to:

• Documentary and fine art photographers with a coherent project
• Photographers who have dreamed of a book but lack funding or a publisher
• Duos working on a shared project

What Can You Submit?

One project, completed or in progress: up to 30 images, a project statement and a short biography, all in English. You do not need a dummy or a design; the publisher works with you on the book.

Entry Fees

€10.

What Does the Selected Photographer Receive?

• A fully funded photobook, with production costs covered
• Professional guidance on editing, sequencing, material design and distribution
• Publication in collaboration with Witty Books
• Membership of the Un/Fund community and exposure across its networks

Submission Requirements

Submit through the online call with up to 30 images from a single project, a statement and a biography in English.

Why Apply?

A first photobook is one of the most important steps in a photographer's career: it is shown at book fairs, reviewed, collected by libraries and often leads to exhibitions. Self-publishing is expensive, and publishers rarely take risks on unknown names. A fully funded book with an experienced publisher removes both barriers.

How to Prepare Your Submission

Think in sequences, not single images. A book needs rhythm: openings, pauses and an ending. Choose the 30 images that best show the structure of the project, and order them as you imagine the book. The statement should explain what the project is about and why it should be a book, rather than an exhibition or online gallery. Short, clear writing works best.

About Witty Books

Witty Books is an independent photobook publisher known for its careful editing and design, and for working closely with emerging photographers on their first books.

What Makes a Good First Photobook?

A good photobook is more than a portfolio in print. It uses the physical object, its size, paper, binding and pace, to shape how the story is experienced. Projects with a clear subject and enough images to build a sequence translate well into books. Think about what the reader should feel when turning the pages, and how text, if any, could support the images.

Working With a Publisher

The selected photographer works closely with Witty Books on editing, design and distribution. Be ready to let go of some favourite images and to experiment with sequence and format: a publisher's outside eye is one of the most valuable parts of the process, and it often makes the book stronger than the photographer imagined.

Building on the Book

A published photobook opens new doors: book fairs, festival bookshops, reviews and exhibitions. Plan how you will present and share it, from launch events to sending copies to curators and editors you admire.

Things to Consider

• First book only: you must not have published a photobook.
• Seven years: of professional practice at most.
• One project: up to 30 images.
• Deadline: 18 November 2026.

Apply to the Open Call

Ready to apply?

Apply to Un/Fund 05

For the full call and entry 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