| Copyright | Entrants retain full rights to the submitted works. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 2 December 2015 |
| Entry fee | In order to enter you have to become a member which costs from $75 |
FinishedThe purpose of the Aperture Portfolio Prize is to identify trends in contemporary photography and highlight artists whose work deserves greater recognition. When choosing the first-prize winner and runners-up, Aperture’s editorial and curatorial staff look for innovative bodies of work that haven’t been widely seen in major publications or exhibition venues.
Prizes:
- First prize is $3,000 and an exhibition at Aperture Gallery.
- The first-prize winner and up to five runners-up will be featured on Aperture’s website, accompanied by a brief statement written by Aperture staff.
All entrants will be contacted with final results by April 2016.
You need to enter up to 15 images. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
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.