The largest photography exhibition in Switzerland has launched a community-driven competition that puts the power of selection directly in the hands of the public. PhotoSCHWEIZ, the nation's premier photography showcase, is currently accepting votes to determine which amateur photographer will earn an exclusive exhibition spot at this year's event. Nearly three hundred hobby photographers from across Switzerland submitted their work for consideration, and a professional jury has narrowed the field to ten finalists. Now, community members can cast their ballots online until Monday, January 12, at 5 PM to help decide the winner who will display their work at the prestigious event.
The competition, organized by the Swiss media outlet 20 Minuten in partnership with photoSCHWEIZ, demonstrates the remarkable photographic talent within the general public. Readers were invited to submit their best images, covering a wide range of styles and subjects. From the nearly three hundred entries, a jury of photography experts carefully evaluated each submission based on technical skill, artistic composition, and creative vision. The resulting ten finalists represent the cream of the crop, showcasing diverse approaches to contemporary photography. This democratic approach to curating art reflects a growing trend in the cultural world to make exhibitions more accessible and representative of community voices.
Last year's competition winner, Martin Reichenbach, serves as an inspiring example of how this opportunity can transform an amateur photographer's career. Reichenbach's stunning macro photographs of insects captured the jury's attention and ultimately won him the coveted exhibition space at photoSCHWEIZ 2025. In an interview following his victory, he expressed disbelief and joy: "It has always been a dream of mine to one day present my pictures at an exhibition. Incredible that this is happening now." His success story has undoubtedly motivated many of this year's participants to submit their best work. Reichenbach's journey from hobbyist to exhibited artist exemplifies the power of community-supported platforms in discovering and promoting emerging talent.
This year's winner will receive more than just exhibition space; they will also have the opportunity to lead a workshop on their photographic specialty at the event. The prize package includes professional recognition, networking opportunities with established photographers, and the chance to share their techniques with an engaged audience. For the nine finalists who do not win first place, there remains a significant consolation: the top one hundred photographs from all submissions will be printed in postcard format and displayed at the exhibition. This ensures that many talented artists receive at least some public recognition for their work, creating a more inclusive celebration of Swiss photographic talent.
PhotoSCHWEIZ itself has grown into Switzerland's most important photography event, annually featuring over 250 national and select international photographers. The exhibition, held this year at the Kongresshaus in Zurich from February 6-10, 2026, provides a comprehensive overview of current photographic practices in Switzerland. Beyond the community competition, the event includes spectacular special exhibitions that explore contemporary themes, diversity, and technological innovations in photography. The venue transforms into a vibrant hub where professionals, amateurs, and photography enthusiasts can gather to celebrate the medium's power and versatility.
The community competition represents just one aspect of photoSCHWEIZ's mission to democratize photography and make it accessible to broader audiences. By involving the public in both submission and selection processes, the exhibition creates a sense of ownership and connection among visitors. The high resolution versions of the ten finalist images are available in an online gallery, allowing voters to examine each photograph in detail before making their choice. This transparency and engagement help build anticipation for the main event while highlighting the exceptional quality of work being produced by Swiss photographers at all levels of expertise.
