The Photographic Society of Gipuzkoa, located in the Old Town of San Sebastián, hosted the annual 'Argizaiola' congress, organized by the Basque Federation EHATE (Federation of Basque Photographic Groups). The event was marked by a magnificent atmosphere of participation, collaboration, and camaraderie. It was attended by 66 participants representing 20 out of the 24 associations that form the Federation, demonstrating a strong commitment and involvement from all.
Juan Ignacio Aizpurua, president of the Photographic Society, welcomed the attendees. Following this, Juan Armentia, president of the Basque Federation, took charge of directing and launching the event. The day featured several highlights, reviewing the main activities of the past year.
During the congress break, attendees visited the José Luis Iturburu hall. Here, they could admire works exhibited throughout the current academic year, including pieces by prominent photographers from the San Sebastián society such as Anael Corea, Fernando Moreno, Edu Jubete, José Angel Amuchastegui, Fernando Anza, Lorea Aldabaldetreku, José Fernández Varona, Simón Arrigain, José Ramón Varela, Arantxa Cortajarena, and Ibon Pérez.
The congress concluded with an exhibition of impressive travel photographs by Igor Altuna (Premio Argizaiola 2025). Photographer Gonzalo Azurmendi captivated the audience with his explanations of his exotic travel shots. To round off the event, the gastronomic society Casa de la Rioja hosted a convivial meal for the participants.
During dessert, several significant awards were presented. The Premio Argizaiola 2026 was granted to José Ángel Amuchastegui, a CEF master and member of the Photographic Society of Gipuzkoa, and to Ibon Pérez, also a member of the society. A special mention was given to the National Award for best media outlet, 'Pixel+', which was presented to the management of the Photographic Society of Gipuzkoa.
In parallel to the aforementioned congress event, the results of the 4th edition of the increasingly popular Black and White Paper Photography contest were announced.
This year's jury included the renowned specialist in black and white photography Jaione García Santesteban, alongside Marian Lázaro Martín, known for her excellent photographic eye, and Iñaki Cabido Magallanes, an expert in photographic analysis and a member of San Sebastián's photographic rallies.
A total of 148 works from 52 participants were submitted. The jury selected the 25 best, unanimously highlighting the three most outstanding. Third place was awarded to the work 'Joven en sombras' by author Fernando Vidal Peña. Second place, 'Etéreo', went to Oskar Manso Navas, and the first prize was awarded to veteran San Sebastián photographer Arantxa Cortajarena Cortajarena for her work 'El tiempo que se transforma en música'.
The collection of the 25 awarded photographs and the best mentions will be on display at the exhibition hall of the Photographic Society of Gipuzkoa, from next Saturday, June 20th, to Friday, July 24th, 2026.
