200 Years of Photography Give us a picture of the month Thu 01 Jan 2026 - Thu 31 Dec 2026

Oldest preserved photograph, taken in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826
© Public Domain

The oldest preserved photograph in the world was taken in 1826 in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce exposed his camera to the sunlight shining through the window in his study from the patio for 8 hours, and captured the first photographic picture in history. A rather unspectacular motif marking the birth of photography. For Stadthaus Ulm, focussing mainly on photography exhibitions, this anniversary is the perfect occasion for celebrating this historic moment in the course of this year.

About the exhibition

And Ulm is taking part! E-mail your photos to stadthaus.fotografie200@ulm.de, or share them on Instagram, using the hashtags #200jahrefotografie #stadthausulm. The competition's only rule: we only accept photos in black-and-white, that's all. Every month another member of the Stadthaus team will select a photo together with the project managers.
We will publish every picture of the month on our social media channels and on our website. And at the end of the year we will present the selected photos in a small exhibition - a joint conclusion of the year of photography!

Project management: Andrea Kreuzpointner and Andrada Cretu

By e-mailing a photo to stadthaus.fotografie200@ulm.de or posting a photo using the hashtags #200jahrefotografie #stadthausulm on Instagram, the photographer accepts our terms and conditions.

Photo of the month of April

The picture was taken from the Stadthaus terrace. "As street photographer I was looking for unusual perspectives and structures. The perspective from above, and the contrast between the paving stones and the freshly shaved head, made me take this picture on my photo walk. The motive's line of vision also breaks with the well-known rules", explains the photographer Matthias Mader. This month the decisive vote came from Tinta Brecht who is in charge of our finances.

Man walking over paving stones photographed from above — Matthias Mader, 'Shine and structures'
© Matthias Mader

Photo of the month of March

"The sunny winter weather on Saturday just after New Year's Day 2026, urged me to go for a stroll with my camera. From my vantage point on the city wall by the Danube, I watched the people's bustling activities, some were walking their dogs. By deliberately moving the camera while keeping the shutter open for a little longer, I managed to capture this impressionistic photograph", explains Helmut Bleichrodt, member of the Ulm Fotoclub. This time Christos Kalokerinos, who is in charge of venue hiring and organisation, took the final decision when it came to choosing the picture of the month.

two people with two dogs — Exercise, Helmut Bleichrodt, Fotoclub Ulm
© Helmut Bleichrodt, Fotoclub Ulm

Photo of the month of February

The picture was taken on Shrove Tuesday on the Stadthaus terrace. "It is great that the Stadthaus is not only worth a visit for its exhibitions, but also because of its architecture. The light conditions where good – and this is what counts. After all, photographing means painting with light…" Every month a different member of the Stadthaus team chooses a photo together with the project managers. Stadthaus director Karla Nieraad took the final decision regarding the photo of the months of February.

View from Stadthaus on surroundings — Peter R Hofmann, Winning Photo February 2026
© Peter R. Hofmann

Photo of the month of January

The photo was taken at Sedelhöfe in Ulm, at the stairway leading down from the train station. Sebastian Vogt was standing at the entrance to the parking garage and took the photo looking up the stairway. Luckily he usually has his camera on him when he is out and about, and exactly that day his lecture had been canceled!