Wetzlar, Germany — April 2025 — As Leica celebrates its 100th anniversary with the theme “Witness to a Century,” this year’s Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) takes on even greater significance. Marking its 45th edition, the internationally acclaimed photography prize continues its legacy of spotlighting powerful visual storytelling with a strong focus on humanity and the environment.
Now entering the final stages of preparation, the LOBA 2025 jury has officially been named, assembling a panel of respected voices from across the photography and visual arts landscape.
Meet the LOBA 2025 Jury
This year’s jury, made up of five distinguished professionals from the international photography community, includes:
- Jane Evelyn Atwood – Acclaimed documentary photographer and 1997 LOBA winner (USA/France)
- Cyril Drouhet – Deputy Director of Photography, Le Figaro Magazine (France)
- Felix Hoffmann – Curator, Foto Arsenal Vienna (Austria)
- Curt Holtz – Editor for Photography and Architecture at Prestel Publishing (Germany)
- Karin Rehn-Kaufmann – Art Director and Chief Representative, Leica Galleries International (Austria)
The jury will convene this month at Leica Camera AG headquarters in Wetzlar to review up to twelve shortlisted photo series and select the winners of both the Main and Newcomer categories.
Global Nominations Reflect LOBA’s Expanding Influence
LOBA 2025 maintains its trusted nomination model: over 120 photography experts from nearly 50 countries have each submitted 1 to 3 photo series comprised of 15–20 images. These works must explore the complex relationship between humanity and the environment—a core focus since the award’s founding in 1979.
The Newcomer category, introduced in 2009, continues to support rising talent under the age of 30. This year’s young photographers are nominated by 20 top universities and institutions across 17 countries.
What’s at Stake: Prestige, Platform, and Prizes
Recognized for both its artistic prestige and tangible support, LOBA offers substantial awards:
- Main Prize: €40,000 + Leica camera gear valued at €10,000
- Newcomer Prize: €10,000 + a Leica Q3 camera
Beyond prize money, all winning and shortlisted series will be featured in a global touring exhibition, starting in October 2025 at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, where the official award ceremony will also take place.
These works will also be showcased at Leica Galleries and international photo festivals, and published in a dedicated catalogue, ensuring global exposure for the artists involved.
Stay Tuned
From mid-July 2025, the shortlisted series will be displayed on the official LOBA website. The highly anticipated winners of both categories will be revealed in October, during a ceremony that promises to be a highlight of Leica’s centennial year.
For full details, past jury interviews, and updates, visit the official LOBA site.
