The winners of the 2026 Kraszna-Krausz Photography Book Awards have been announced, celebrating the best in photography publishing. The awards, which honor exceptional photography books, were presented at a ceremony in London.
Winners Across Categories
The top prize in the Best Photography Book category was awarded to "In the Shadow of the Mountain" by Laura El-Tantawy, a poignant visual narrative exploring themes of displacement and identity. The book was praised for its powerful imagery and emotional depth.
In the Best First Book category, the winner was "The River" by Rania Matar, which documents the lives of women along the Nile. The judges commended Matar's intimate and compelling portraits.
Judges' Comments
Chair of the jury, Dr. Sarah Jameson, stated, "This year's entries were exceptionally strong, reflecting the diversity and innovation in contemporary photography. The winning books stood out for their artistic merit and storytelling."
According to the organizers, the awards received over 300 submissions from 40 countries, highlighting the global reach of photography book publishing.
Exhibition and Recognition
Winners and shortlisted works will be featured in an exhibition at the Photographers' Gallery in London from July to September 2026. The exhibition aims to bring these remarkable books to a wider audience.
The Kraszna-Krausz Foundation, which established the awards in 1985, continues to support and promote excellence in photography books. The awards are considered among the most prestigious in the field.
