Top 5 Photo Festivals in the World

 2019 Belfast Photo Festival Poster, Photograph: Jacob Burge

2. Les Rencontres d’Arles

Les Rencontres d’Arles was created back in 1969 and rapidly established itself as the biggest photography festival worldwide. Every summer, the medieval city of Arles – Southern France – hosts more than 40 exhibitions in motley venues. The festival addresses various themes and offers the opportunity to discover a wide array of photographers – be it young talents or internationally acclaimed artists. The festival also organizes photography workshops dedicated to amateurs willing to deepen their skills.

• Location: Arles, France
• Period: June to September
• www.rencontres-arles.com

2018 Les Rencontres d’Arles Poster, Photograph: William Wegman, décontracté, 2002

3. Nordic Light Festival of Photography

Nordic Light is an annual international festival that takes place on the North Sea coast, in picturesque Kristiansund, Norway. It aims to promote Nordic photography – projects from Nordic photographers or related to Nordic Themes – and to foster inspiring meetings between artists and audience, renowned photographers and rising talents. For over 10 years, that festival gathers 20-25 photographers and consists of exhibitions, lectures, gallery talks and movies.

• Location: Kristiansud, Norway
• Period: Spring
• www.nordiclightfestival.no

2019 Nordic Light Festival of Photography Poster, Photograph: Marten Andersen

4. Verzasca Foto Festival

Verzasca Foto Festival takes place in the small stone villages of Sognogo, Southern Switzerland. The natural and bucolic environment sets the tone. The festival aims to support aspiring photographers and to bring visual arts to rural aeras. How art connects with nature is at its heart. Through open air photo exhibitions, live music, group talks, the public can seek and discover stories, together with photographers and local community.

• Location: Sonogno, Switzerland
• Period: Fall
• http://www.verzascafoto.com

Photograph taken at the Verzasca Foto Festival, Outdoor Exhibition In Cammino

5. Fix Photo Festival

Launched in 2016, FIX Photo is curated by L A Noble Gallery in London and staged at the Menier gallery. This free festival exhibits contemporary work connected to key themes, reflecting upon social and cultural divisions of the past year (such as identity, community, unity & harmony and environment for instance). In addition to the exhibition, the gallery organizes talks as well as a photo contest open to all ages and nationalities.

• Location: London, United-Kingdom
• Period: September
• www.lauraannnoble.com/fixphoto

FIX Photo Festival Banner