OPEN CALL - NOW LIVE -
OPEN CALL - NOW LIVE -
The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence
in collaboration with GOST Books
The IPPG is excited to announce The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence will be partnering with GOST Books.
This new and unique award offers established photographers working in long form documentary photography a photo book produced by world renowned publisher GOST Books.
GOST books will collaborate with the recipient of the Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence to create a book of their work.
The recipient must have an in-depth project which is nearing completion and extensive enough to warrant a book.
Working closely with GOST’s Director Stu Smith, they will produce an edit of both photography and text.
The recipient will have the opportunity to visit Italy to view the book proofs and amend any changes.
The book will be clothbound in hardback and distributed Worldwide by GOST books and their partners.
Background
Tom Stoddart was a renowned British photojournalist with an illustrious career spanning five-decades. Tom was a humble man with a wonderful sense of humour and an inspiration to his friends, colleagues and so many young aspiring photojournalists. Always helping others, never asking for anything in return.
Working as a freelancer for major publications like The Sunday Times, he covered pivotal historical events including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Lebanese Civil War, the siege of Sarajevo and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Known for his powerful black-and-white photography, Tom documented conflicts in Bosnia, the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, and worked with many humanitarian organisations. He photographed world leaders, covered Tony Blair’s 1997 election campaign, and won numerous prestigious awards including the Larry Burrows Award. His work documented both the horrors of war and human resilience, his archive of remarkable images serves as a testament to late 20th and early 21st century.
Tom passed away in 2021, and we hope that introducing this award in his name will continue to promote his legacy, his passion for our industry and his commitment to supporting photojournalism.
He is greatly missed.
Founded in 2012, GOST Books is an independent visual arts and photography publisher based in London. They have worked with many of the Masters of Photography, including Sir Don McCullin and Elliot Erwitt. GOST aims to not only provide a platform for the work of emerging artists but contribute to print legacies of masters in the medium.
This does not affect the Ian Parry Grant open call, which is currently open until 23:59 on 31st August 2025. It remains free to enter, and available for any photographers who are 24 years of age, or under, or in full-time photographic education.
Requirements
You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for this grant.
Each separate entry will be charged £50
Entrants will need to provide:
A short biography
Book Project description: a concise synopsis or summary of the project. This outline should be brief but comprehensive.
Images: Applicants should submit up to 40 images total. These should consist of representative images from the book project.
No AI generated imagery is allowed.
All entrants must attest and certify that they are the sole creators of any images they are entering and that said images have not been copied or digitally manipulated in any way.
Recipient
receives
The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant
(Sponsored by Canon)
Each year the recipient receives:
- A photo book published by renowned publisher GOST Books
- Expenses paid trip to oversee printing in Verona
- Expenses paid trip to London during the week of Photo London
- Spotlight via our Social Media Channels and access to the Judges, Board and Alumni
- Work published by our media partner The Guardian
- £5,000 towards completion of their chosen project
Timeline
Call for entries open — 01 / 07 / 2025
Call for entries closes — 31 / 08 / 2025
Judging by industry panel — Sept 2025
Recipient Announced — 10 / 10 / 2025
Are you 18 or over, and ready to make a photo book with GOST?
Entries are now open for the 2025 Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence
in collaboration with GOST
Remembering Tom Stoddart
Photojournalist
A humble man,
an extraordinary talent
Tom Stoddart (1953-2021) was a long time friend and supporter of the Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant. He sat on the board of trustees and mentored many young recipients. Tom was an exceptional photojournalist and inspired countless young photographers in the field, he gave his time and his humour unconditionally. He is deeply missed.
After his death in November 2021, we initiated the Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence in his memory which will be given on a yearly basis at the judges discretion.
‘The scholarship exists to find and support the very best young people striving to produce powerful, meaningful photojournalism in a ‘selfie’ obsessed world. Ian would be immensely proud of the long list of internationally known photographers who were helped at the start of their careers by the scholarship that bears his name.’
Tom Stoddart
‘When I flew to Bucharest to bring Ian home, Tom was at my side. He has been at my side for some 45 years as a dear friend and a constant inspiration. He was quite simply a wonderful man, generous and kind, never asking for anything, always giving.
We have lost a great photographer and dear friend, but I know he will want us to carry on supporting young aspiring photojournalists and would be very proud of what the Grant has achieved.’
Aidan Sullivan, Founder and Chairman of The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant
FAQs
How much does it cost to submit?
£50 per entry
Do I need a project proposal?
Your submission won’t be accepted without a project proposal, you must attach a proposal.
Am I eligible to apply for the Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence in collaboration with GOST?
You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for this grant. This award, which differs from the IPPG, offers established photographers working in long form documentary photography a photo book produced by world renowned publisher GOST Books.
Do you accept international submissions?
Yes, absolutely. We welcome entries from all countries and there are no geographical limits on submissions.
Does my portfolio have to be my proposed project for the prize money?
Yes. Your portfolio is an example of the book project you would like to work on with GOST books, the prize money must be used towards making new work or progressing an existing project.
Can my subjects be staged or digitally manipulated?
We do not accept photographic work that has been staged or digitally manipulated.
How many photographs can I enter into the same series?
You can enter up to 40 digital image files
What specs should the digital files be?
All images must be 1500px on the long size and uploaded as JPG files.
Is there a time limit within which the photographs should have been taken?
No, your series can be from any year.
What is an extended caption?
An extended caption is a description of the photograph (1-3 sentences) including the basic information of what, where, when and who?
When will I know if my photographs have been shortlisted?
We will only contact shortlisted and winning photographers after the judging period has ended.
How is the grant payment made?
The Grant of £5,000 will be paid in two equal installments of £2,500, the first to be paid on the announcement of the grant and the second to be paid following a six-month review of the progress of the project.
What does the £50 application fee go towards?
The submission fee helps support the ongoing operation and sustainability of the Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence run by the Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant. This includes the administration of the open calls, website maintenance and the promotion of the grant and its recipients. As a small charitable organisation, the fee also contributes to ensuring that we can continue offering meaningful support to emerging photojournalists through funding, mentorship, and global exposure.
Does this affect the Ian Parry Grant?
This does not affect the Ian Parry Grant open call, which is currently open until 23:59 on 31st August 2025. It remains free to enter, and available for any photographers who are 24 years of age, or under, or in full-time photographic education.
Do you accept late submissions?
No exceptions will be made for late submissions. Please allow for sufficient time to complete your application.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please email info@ianparry.org with any further questions.
© Tom Stoddart / Getty Images
For three decades we have supported young and emerging photographers. You can help keep the Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant free to enter by making a donation today. Thank you.
Terms and conditions
Copyright holders retain copyright of their work. For awarded entries and honorable mentions, copyright holders grant The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant and GOST Books the unlimited non-exclusive use of high-resolution photographs for activities in all media, including social media, online and print, in relation to the contest, the exhibition, and all promotional and educational activities for and under the auspices of the The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant and GOST Books, without any remuneration being due.
The copyright holders represent and warrant that submission of the entries does not breach any law, and further that no third party can hold any claims or any objections regarding the rights granted to the The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant and GOST Books. The copyright holders will hold the The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant and GOST Books harmless of any claims from third parties related hereto.
Applicants warrant that the entry submission is the original work of the artist and, as such, the artist is the sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submitted work, and that the party submitting has the right to submit the work to this award and grant all required licenses. Each entrant agrees not to submit any entry that (1) infringes any third party’s proprietary rights, intellectual property rights, industrial property rights, personal or moral rights or any other rights, including without limitation, copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, privacy, publicity, or confidentiality obligations; and (2) otherwise violates the applicable state, federal, provincial, or local law.
The Entry Rules and any dispute, proceedings or claim of whatever nature arising out of or in any way relating to the Entry Rules (including any non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by U.K. law.
The Grant of £5,000 will be paid in two equal instalments of £2,500, the first to be paid on the announcement of the grant and the second to be paid following a six-month review of the progress of the project.
The conditions set out in the Entry Rules are binding, and The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant reserves the right to refuse or exclude any entry at its own discretion.
A separate contract regarding the book (hereafter referred to as the Work) will be drafted and agreed between the winning Photographer and GOST Books. GOST shall have exclusive distribution rights for the Work worldwide and the Photographer shall have the right to sell the Photographer’s Copies directly through the Photographer’s own website and, with the prior written consent of GOST, at other locations deemed appropriate by GOST.
As between GOST and Photographer, GOST retains the ownership of all copyright and other rights in the Work (excluding the Photos) and all editions of it while the Photographer retains the ownership of all copyright in the Photos.
For the avoidance of doubt, GOST will have the right to use the Photos to publicise, promote and advertise the availability of the Work for purchase, including on GOST’s website with the consent and approval from the Photographer.
Code of Ethics
Entrants to The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant must ensure that all entered material has been created ethically and provides a fair representation of the stories and people photographed. Entrants must comply with the following code of ethics:
Must be aware of the influence the photographer’s presence can have on a scene they photograph.
Must not intend to mislead by recreating or staging events. In certain cases, deliberate reenactments can be acceptable if they serve a clear purpose for the story and/or issue being documented, and the photographer must be transparent about their motivation and process. Any direct influence over the scene, such as reenactments or posed portraits, must be included in the captions.
Must ensure that individuals and/or groups photographed are treated with dignity and respect, and that the photographer causes no physical and/or psychological harm.
Must ensure that consent has been appropriately handled, with consideration for relevant local and international laws and for the ability of an individual to give informed consent, for example when working with vulnerable people and children. Consider whether individuals and/or groups are adequately informed about the potential use and distribution of photographs via the contest, and what impact that could have on them. Information about consent should be indicated in the caption.
Consider whether measures need to be taken to protect identity especially when photographing vulnerable individuals and/or groups and children–either when photographing or in the caption.
Must ensure that independence is upheld and must not pay individuals and/or groups for information or participation, or accept any form of compensation – such as gifts, money or favors–from those who may seek to influence the story.
Must ensure that the personal safety of everyone involved – including the photographer, fixers and individuals and/or groups photographed – is appropriately handled. Avoid taking unnecessary risks that can result in dangerous situations.
Respect the work of other photographers and do not plagiarize. Consider whether work repeats well-known examples or is distinctive.
Must ensure that the content and edit of photographs and stories present an accurate and comprehensive representation of individuals and/or groups. Consider whether graphic and violent photographs are appropriate for the story presented, especially when they involve vulnerable people.
Avoid reinforcing stereotypes and be aware of biases that can result in misrepresentation.
Ensure captions, and any other textual elements, are accurate.
Must be open and transparent about the entire process through which their photographs are made, and are accountable to the Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant for their practice.
Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant code of ethics is in line with journalistic and documentary practices and standards. The organization reserves the right to seek clarification or explanation should concerns arise during or after the judging process.