| Copyright | By entering, photographers grant the Portrait of America non-exclusive rights to reproduce the submitted photos for promotional and exhibition purposes. All copyrights are retained by the photographer. Winning photographs could be published in print, in magazines or on a blog that is showcasing the winner(s) of the competition. Any photograph used by Portrait of America will be credited to the photographer. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 31 May 2018 |
| Entry fee | From $20 for Single image |
FinishedPortrait of America aims to reflect on the unique history and diversity of our country through portraits of the people who live and work here – the people who define who we are and where we are going.
Awards:
- The competition will select 100 winning portraits to be published in the first edition Portrait of America book.
- The winning images will be part of an exhibit in Los Angeles, and also be shown during the 2018 Los Angeles Festival of Photography and partnering photo festivals.
Winners will be announced after September 3, 2018.
Image requirements: Grayscale or RGB profile; JPEG format; 72 dpi; Longest dimension should not exceed 1280 pixels, with a minimum size of 200 pixels; under 4 MB in file size; Layers flattened
Online submission of digital photographs via the website. There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Frequently asked questions — Portrait photography contests
Who can enter portrait photography contests?
Most portrait contests welcome photographers worldwide, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals. Many prioritize authentic human connection and diverse representation—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with editorial, commercial, or fine art portrait focuses.
Are portrait photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per submission, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do portrait photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($300–$12,000) to feature spots in photography magazines, client referrals, mentorship sessions, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected editorial or portrait-focused platforms can accelerate your visibility in commercial and artistic markets.
How do I choose which portrait contest to enter?
Align your strongest portraits with the contest's thematic focus—environmental, conceptual, cultural, or studio work. Review past winners for aesthetic cues, verify model release requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some contests request usage rights for submitted portraits.
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.