Photography contest · Season VIII
Season
Photography contest · Season VIII
Пиксельный рейв 2026
Students, graduate students and staff of Lomonosov Moscow State University photograph the university, the city, science and people. Two leagues, 11 categories.
Main
6 categories
Partner
5 categories
Two leagues
Higher and Premier
About
Pixel Rave brings together people who photograph MSU
Pixel Rave is a photography contest for students, graduate students and staff of Lomonosov Moscow State University. There are up to 6 main categories and up to 5 partner categories: campus life, portraits, science photography, field trips and the city.
Participants compete in two leagues so newcomers feel welcome and experienced photographers get a fair challenge. Winners and prize-winners receive awards from partners.
Who do I compete with?
Two leagues — a fair contest
All new participants — students, graduate students and staff of Lomonosov Moscow State University, and guests of partner categories.
Winners and prize-winners of previous seasons, including MSU alumni.
Main categories
6 different angles
Science as Art
Every scientific field has its own beauty. Show how your research comes close to art.
17:55
Last year our alma mater turned 270. We still admire the University. What does MSU mean to you?
City Rhythm
City life never stops. Capture a moment that pauses the rhythm and shows the city from another angle.
Away from the Bustle
The first spring leaves change the mood. A category about the harmony of nature around us.
Eyes in Which Russia Lives
2026 is the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Portraits that reflect the soul of the people.
A Happy Moment
Happiness is a fleeting instant. Be the artist who stops it in the frame.
Partner categories
5 more ways to shoot
Geometry of Life
Strict composition and geometric forms: a fresh look at familiar objects in the city and in nature.
Shoot the Exclusive
Sport and a healthy lifestyle. Training, the joy of winning, or a way to switch off from routine.
Play of Light
Film photography where light is the protagonist: shadows, flares, and a dialogue with space.
Scientific Futurology
Frames that look like science fiction but were shot today: bionics, interfaces, quantum machines, space simulators.
Scientific Phenomenon
Phenomena that are hard to explain but can be captured: crystals, materials, rare effects in experiments.
Rules
Who can enter and how to submit
- Main categories are open to MSU students, graduate students and staff who are trade union members. How to join: read here. Partner categories are also open to participants from outside MSU.
- Higher League is for winners and prize-winners of previous seasons, including alumni. Premier League is for everyone else.
- You may enter one or more categories, up to 3 works per category. There is no limit on the number of categories.
- Works submitted in previous seasons are not accepted.
- Original work only. JPEG / PNG, around 300 dpi, file size up to 20 MB.
Partners
Last season's partners
TASS · Sport-Express · Schrödinger's Cat · Canon · FOTOLAB · LUCH · Vnutri · wfolio
FAQ
Common questions
How do I apply?
Fill in the form on this website: your details, categories and photo files. You will get an email confirmation with an application number.
Can I enter if I am not a union member?
Not in the main categories — a union card is required. You can join the union through the MSU Trade Union. Partner categories are open to guests from outside MSU.
I am not from MSU. Can I take part?
Yes, in partner categories only.
How many works can I submit?
Up to three works per category. There is no limit on the number of categories. You may send more than one application from the same email.
Can I submit a work from a previous season?
No. Please shoot something new.
Where are the results published?
On Telegram @pixelravemsu and in the MSU Trade Union communities, hashtag #фоторейв.
Organizers and support
Implements the project with support from the Presidential Grants Foundation.
The contest’s campus partner.
Operator of presidential grants for non-profits in Russia.