For the tenth time, the Ministry of Culture and Media and the Ministry of Education, Family, and Vocational Education are organizing the photography competition for pupils at Hamburg schools (grades 1–13) – this year, for the first time, in cooperation with the Triennial of Photography.

Under the theme “Same same, but different”, participants will explore differences and similarities between people, places, and things – whether visible at first glance or only upon closer inspection.

A wide variety of artistic and technical approaches are possible: shifts in perspective, light and shadow, movement, portraits, close-ups, long exposures, or staged photographs. Post-production image editing is also permitted.

A special feature of the competition is the opportunity to invite Hamburg-based photographers into the classroom. Through introductions and joint image discussions, they convey the differences between spontaneous snapshots and conceptual photography, while also providing insights into photographic techniques and aesthetic design.

All submitted works will be reviewed by a professional jury. The selected photographs will be presented from June 2026 as part of the 9th Triennial of Photography Hamburg 2026.

The submission deadline is February 26, 2026. Further information on participation requirements and submission can be found here.