A new website will be live from 1 November, until then please find the Australian Award history here.
The Awards celebrate excellence, originality and 'fitness for purpose' in photo book creation. Since they were established in 2011, $100,000 in cash and print prizes have been distributed to 120 finalists, helping them create, produce and promote their publications. To showcase the work of Australian and New Zealand photo artists to local and international audiences, the Award catalogue has been distributed to photo book communities, critics, and media across the world, and the finalist exhibition has travelled throughout the southern hemisphere and as far as Vienna.
We're delighted to announce that this year the New Zealand Photobook of the Year Awards will merge with the Australian Photobook of the Year Awards to form the Australia & New Zealand Photobook Award, with more prizes, more prestige and more competition.
Entry dates
The 2018 Award series is opening soon so get your photo books ready for entry.
- 1 November 2018 - Entries open
- 17 December 2018 - Digital file submission
- 17 January 2019 - Printed book submission
Prizes
The 2018 Award series has a prize pool valued at $13,500.
Photobook Award: $1,000 cash + $3,000 Momento Pro print credit
Student Award: $500 cash + $1,000 Momento Pro print credit
Commended: $1,000 Momento Pro print credit
Finalists: $500 Momento Pro print credit
People's Choice Award: $500 cash + $1,000 Momento Pro print credit
Judging Criteria
The judges are experts in photography, picture editing, publication design and photobook production, who review the digital and physical books to assess the:
- excellence of the photography, design, layout, typography and cover art
- quality of the photo editing and sequencing to create an engaging visual narrative
- originality of the concept and design
- ability of any additional imagery, text or ephemera to enhance the story in the photographs and/or book
- appropriateness of photography, design and format for the book's intended purpose and audience
The People’s Choice Award goes to the finalist who receives the most votes from visitors to the finalist exhibition.
Terms & Conditions
How to enter
1. Register online by 17 December 2018 including the:
- upload of a low-resolution PDF book file
- upload of a cover image in JPG format
- payment of a $25 entry fee (students entering the Student category are excluded)
2. Submit a physical copy by 17 January 2019 to one of the addresses below.
The package must be addressed to Photobook Awards c/o Momento Pro and include a copy of the Registration Form.
Australian residents
- By Post or Courier: 15-17 Merton St, Zetland NSW 2017
New Zealand residents
- By Post: 24 111 Manners St, Wellington 6011
- By Courier: 102-108 Wakefield St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Photobook Requirements
- Must be a publication that focuses on photographic content presented in a visual narrative
- Can be printed via any method or service
- Can be unpublished, self published, trade published or published by an academic or cultural institution
- Can include work by one or more photographers
- Must not infringe copyright, breach any laws or violate third party rights
- Must have been published or the design completed between 1 Jan 2017 and 17 Dec 2018
- Must be submitted as a digital PDF file and as a physical copy
- Must not have been entered into previous Australian or New Zealand Photobook Of The Year Awards
- Books will be returned to non-finalists who include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with their book submission
- Winner and finalist books will remain in the Award archives for public access and exhibition
- We do not accept responsibility for damaged books or books lost in transit
- Entries that do not comply will be disqualified
Entrant Requirements
- Must be a citizen, permanent resident, registered company or student at an institution in Australia or New Zealand
- Must be the photographer or publisher of the book
- Must own the copyright or provide written copyright permission on request
- Must register online, submit a digital file and physical book according to specifications in the How To Enter section
- Must pay an entry fee of $25 inc GST. Students entering the Student category are excluded.
- Students must have studied at an Australian or New Zealand institution between 1 Jan 2017 and 17 Dec 2018
- International students are eligible to enter, provided they meet the criteria listed immediately above
- Agree to be added to the Awards and Momento Pro email list
- Must grant permission for the book to appear in digital and print promotions of the Awards
- Must indemnify Momento against any and all claims by third parties relating to a violation of intellectual property rights as a result of entering this competition, and bear all costs arising from such a breach, including any damages
Cash Prize Requirements
- Must be split evenly between photographer and publisher
- The photographer must be the person who physically captured the images
- Are in AUD or NZD, depending on the winner's country of residence
- Winner must confirm bank account details within 30 days of notification
Credit Prize Requirements
- Must be split evenly between photographer and publisher
- The photographer must be the person who physically captured the images
- Value is in AUD or NZD depending on country the winner's of residence
- Expires 18 months after written notification
- Is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and cannot be combined with any other Momento Pro discount
- Can be used to purchase books, booklets, albums, boxes or stationery in the
- Momento Pro print-on-demand or standard volume range, or an approved custom order
- Can only be used for printing work created by the winner
- Non award winning finalists are eligible to receive $500 credit
- Works printed using the credit prize can be included in Award and Momento Pro promotions
- Winner must register with the Momento Pro service within 30 days to allow for the credit to be added to their account
FAQs
How do the Awards define a 'photobook'?
A photobook is a publication that focuses on photographic content presented in a visual narrative.
Does the book need to be previously published?
No. The book can be unpublished, self published, trade published, or published via an academic or cultural institution.
Can the book be published overseas?
Yes, as long as the photographer is an Australian or New Zealand citizen, resident or student at the time of creation.
Is a physical copy of the book required?
Yes. You must submit a physical book. The book can be printed via any print service or process.
Does the book need to be printed by Momento Pro?
No. It can be printed via any method or service. Should you wish to print a copy with Momento Pro a 40% discount is available for Award entries. Orders must be placed by phone before 17 Dec 2018. View Momento Pro's book range here or contact us for a custom order request.
Can the book include images by more than one photographer?
Yes. Photo books including work by multiple photographers are eligible but details of all photographer credits must be entered in to the Entry Form.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, $25 inc GST to assist with the administration of the Awards. Students entering the Student category are not required to pay the entry fee.
Can international students enter?
Yes, assuming they studied at an Australian or New Zealand institution between 1 Jan 2017 and 17 Dec 2018.
Can I submit more than one book?
Yes, you can submit up to three books.
Will I receive feedback on my book?
No. Due to the number of entries we’re unable to provide feedback on every entry.
Will my book be returned?
Books will be returned to non-finalists who include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with their book submission. Winner and finalist books will remain in the Award archives for public access and exhibition.
Award Hosts

Momento Pro is the proud patron of the Australian and New Zealand Photobook of the Year Awards, and Australia's first and and finest on-demand photobook company since 2004. We produce premium hardcover and softcover books, as well as booklets and personalised stationery, to international award-winning standards and in quantities of one up to 250 copies. We actively support the local photo book community through these Awards, hosting Photobook Reviews and self-publishing workshops, connecting photographers with editors, designers and publishers, and with practical publishing guides. To find out more or ask for advice visit our online home at momentopro.co.nz.
Photobook NZ is New Zealand's largest photo book event dedicated to creators, publishers and those who appreciate photography in book form. Launched in 2016, the event is hosted biannually in Wellington, care of PhotoForum and Massey University. The Award ceremony is held in New Zealand biannually to coincide with the Awards. The next event will be hosted in 2020. Find out more at Photobook NZ.
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