MODE Festival 2026 recap: Flickr's love letter to photography
Racheal Herlihy Marketing
Monday, October 19, 2026
Flickr is a sponsor of the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards. This post is part of a series showing some love to the brands backing the awards, and the photography community more broadly. Header image captured by Tyler McCormick at MODE by Flickr.
In September, Flickr brought photographers together in Minneapolis for the first ever MODE by Flickr: three days of exhibitions, talks, workshops and photo walks from 18 to 20 September. We were proud to sponsor it, and honestly, it was one of the best photography events we've been part of. We came home grateful, inspired and having met so many incredible photographers.
Flickr has been home to the photography community since 2004, and today it's the world's largest. MODE felt like the natural next step: taking that community offline and into one city for three days. It's rare to see a brand put this much into photographers rather than into itself, and it showed. MODE was a love letter to photography: to the people who make images, the people who share them, and the conversations that happen when you put them all in the same room.
The work across the city
The heart of MODE was the work. The festival took over downtown Minneapolis, with artists exhibiting across the city and installations turning alleyways, underground rooms, parks and everywhere in between into places worth exploring. Some were quiet and considered, others were loud and playful, and all of them were a reminder of how many ways there are to see.
This reel is just a sliver of what we got to see, but it's a pretty good sliver. Watch MODE's recap reel.
Skate photography with Josh Katz
One of our favourite sessions was skate photographer Josh Katz showing how he works. Skate photography is all about reading the moment before it happens: the approach, the lift, the split second where everything lines up. Watching Josh shoot was a masterclass in instinct and timing: connecting with the skater, and knowing exactly where to set yourself up for the best shot.
Keep an eye out for Josh's LemurStrap in the clip. It's a quick release camera strap from another of our awards sponsors, and in skate photography, having your camera ready in an instant is often the whole shot!
👉 Read more about LemurStrap
Will MODE happen again?
Yes, and we couldn't be happier. The Flickr team told us they're incredibly proud of the community that came together for the first MODE, and that they're excited to keep that spirit of celebrating photography, creativity and connection going. In their words: "There will be more MODE festivals in the years ahead."
Thank you to Flickr and the whole MODE team for creating something that so clearly puts photographers first. We can't wait to be there again.
Flickr Pro: Flickr's prize for this year's awards
We're thrilled to have Flickr on board as a sponsor of the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards, with Flickr Pro as their prize for our winners.
Flickr Pro is made for anyone who loves photography, whether you're just getting started or have spent years behind the lens. It includes unlimited photo storage, an ad free experience, advanced stats, enhanced privacy controls and priority support. From emerging photographers building their first portfolio to seasoned professionals with decades of work, it gives photographers a home for their images and a community that appreciates the stories behind them.
How professional photographers use Flickr
For professional photographers, Flickr is a place to showcase your best work, build a lasting portfolio, find inspiration and connect with a global community that genuinely loves photography. Albums, groups and community engagement make it easy to share your creative journey, reach new audiences and connect with photographers who inspire you.
And once you've chosen your selects in Narrative, Flickr is the perfect place to show them off.
Enter the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards
Flickr joins LemurStrap, KEH Cameras, Richard Photo Lab, QT Albums and Summer School as this year's sponsors, and every one of them has generously put forward incredible prizes.
There are six categories across wedding, portrait and family photography, each judged by an influential photographer. Your first five images are free to enter. Any images after that have an entry fee, and that money goes to Doctors Without Borders. Entries close at midnight ET on 31 October 2026.
Enter the Narrative International Photography Awards
FAQ
What is MODE by Flickr? MODE is a photography festival run by Flickr. The first edition took place in Minneapolis from 18 to 20 September 2026, with exhibitions, installations, workshops, talks and photo walks. Find out more on the MODE website.
Will there be another MODE festival? Yes. Flickr has confirmed there will be more MODE festivals in the years ahead. Dates for the next one haven't been announced yet.
What is Flickr Pro? Flickr Pro is Flickr's paid membership. It includes unlimited photo storage, an ad free experience, advanced stats, enhanced privacy controls and priority support. It's also one of the prizes in the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards.
Who sponsors the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards? This year's sponsors are Flickr, LemurStrap, KEH Cameras, Richard Photo Lab, QT Albums and Summer School.
What is the Narrative International Photography Awards? An annual photography competition run by Narrative, now in its fifth year. It's open to photographers worldwide, with six categories across wedding, portrait and family photography, each judged by an influential photographer, plus a People's Choice award voted on Instagram.
Is the Narrative International Photography Awards free to enter? Yes. Your first five images are free to enter. Any images after that have an entry fee, and that money goes to Doctors Without Borders.
When do entries close for the 2026 awards? Entries close at midnight ET on 31 October 2026, and winners will be announced in mid November 2026.
Racheal Herlihy
Marketing
