| Copyright | Artists retain full rights to their work. The Kiernan Gallery requests use of selected images for the purpose of marketing the exhibition and subsequent display as thumbnails on the website. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers worldwide. |
| Finish | 20 August 2012 |
| Entry fee | $25 for the first 5 images, $5 per additional image |
Finished
Theme: Still Life: The Art of Arrangement
From Dutch masters’ paintings to contemporary photography, the still life has played an important role in art history. This genre grants the artist complete control over their subjects, allowing unparalleled ability to select details and manipulate the scene.
Still lifes often employ symbolism, where the objects assume their own character and identity. An entire story can be told with the arrangement of a few items; toys, dolls, and household goods become surrogates, and natural life is given a persona. For Still Life: The Art of Arrangement, The Kiernan Gallery seeks evocative and symbolic still life images.
Awards:
- 30 images will be exhibited in The Kiernan Gallery in Lexington, Virginia (October 3 – 27, 2012). Up to an additional 40 images will be selected for exhibition in the online gallery.
- A Juror’s Choice and Director’s Choice will also be announced.
Submit digital images by email or mail on a CD. There is a limit of 10 images that you may submit.
Image requirements: JPG format; 72 ppi; sRGB color profile; less than 1024 pixels on the longest side.
Frequently asked questions — Photography exhibition contests
Who can enter photography exhibition contests?
Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.
Are exhibition contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do exhibition contests offer?
Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.
How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?
Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.
Frequently asked questions — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.