Science & Tech · AI · 1 day ago
Imaging World photography festival to move to Cologne in 2027
The Imaging World photography festival is set to move to Cologne in 2027, returning a major photography event to the city.
It will be smaller than the former Photokina and will include workshops and events for creators.
Nikon is reviewing claims that the winning video in its microscopy contest was altered with AI, which the rules ban.
The case matters because the contest is meant to show real scientific images.
The Imaging World photography festival is set to move from Nuremberg to Cologne in 2027, with its first Cologne edition planned for September 24–27.
Nikon is reviewing allegations that the winning video in its 2026 Small World in Motion competition was manipulated with AI; the competition rules exclude AI-generated images and videos.
Researchers who examined the winning video reported unusual movement patterns and structures they said were not physically plausible, and scientists have called on Nikon to reassess the case.
Russian photographer Damir Faizulin won the 2026 Oskar Barnack Award for a series about Central Asian migrant workers in Moscow; the prize is worth 40,000 euros.
Nigerian photographer Esinam Nyakey Kpobi received the newly created LOBA Women Grant, also worth 40,000 euros, while Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide was named the 15th member of the Leica Hall of Fame.
- Who
- Koelnmesse and Ringfoto; Nikon; photographers Damir Faizulin, Esinam Nyakey Kpobi and Graciela Iturbide
- What
- Photography news covering a festival relocation, allegations of AI manipulation in a Nikon competition, and photography awards and recognition
- When
- The Imaging World's first Cologne edition is planned for September 24–27, 2027; the Nikon competition winner is from 2026
- Where
- Cologne and Nuremberg, Germany; Moscow, Russia
- Why
- The Imaging World is moving to Cologne to build on the city's photography-fair legacy; Nikon is reviewing concerns about competition eligibility
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- Imaging World Cologne dates
- September 24–27, 2027
- Oskar Barnack Award 2026 winner and prize
- Damir Faizulin; 40,000 euros
- LOBA Women Grant recipient and amount
- Esinam Nyakey Kpobi; 40,000 euros
- Leica Hall of Fame
- Graciela Iturbide became its 15th member
- Nikon competition under review
- Small World in Motion 2026











