Documentary Photography Portfolio Call: Editorial Review & Publication

Overview

Studio90s invites documentary photographers who approach the world with curiosity and conviction. Three photographers will be selected to receive an in-depth editorial review and publication of their selected project. Projects should explore people, identity, place, community, culture, or urgent social issues through a personal and authentic visual perspective. Both completed and ongoing projects are welcome.

What you'll receive

Each selected photographer will receive an in-depth written editorial portfolio review by Béla Váradi, tailored specifically to the submitted project. The review provides detailed assessment focusing on editing, sequencing, narrative structure, visual coherence, image selection, and overall strength. Selected projects will be published on the Studio90s website (approximately 1,300 estimated monthly visits) and promoted through Béla Váradi's professional Instagram account (10.4K followers).

About the reviewer

Béla Váradi is a London-based documentary photographer whose long-term work explores identity, social justice, and underrepresented communities. His projects have been published by The Guardian, Balkan Insight, WOZ, and other international publications. He has received international recognition, including the FIDAS International Journalism Award (2025) and the Faces of Poverty Grand Prize (2011). He has extensive experience leading workshops and reviewing photographic work.

Key dates

• Deadline: 02/08/2026 at 23:59 (UK time)
• Notification: within two weeks after submission deadline

Eligibility

Open to documentary photographers worldwide, at any stage of their career. Both completed and ongoing long-term projects are welcome.

Submission requirements

• One documentary project per applicant
• Submit up to 1-10 images that best represent your project
• Submission fee: £15 per project

Selection criteria

Projects are selected based on the strength of their visual storytelling, the coherence of the edit, the originality of the visual approach, and the project's long-term documentary potential.

Process

The entire process, including portfolio review, takes place online. This is not a competition but an opportunity for photographers seeking thoughtful editorial feedback. Selected photographers will remain in permanent archive on the Studio90s website as it grows.