| Copyright | Each photographer retains copyright to his or her images. Photographers whose submissions are chosen for the exhibition grant Dallas Center for Photography (DCP) the non-exclusive right to display the images on DCP’s website and social media platforms as well as to promote DCP’s exhibitions, programs, and in promotional and fundraising materials. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 27 April 2021 |
| Entry fee | $35 initial entry fee allows you to submit 1-3 images. Up to 7 additional images can be submitted for $5 per image. |
FinishedPrizes:
- First place: $500
- Second place: $350
- Third place: $150
The very meaning of the word photography is “drawing with light.” Without light neither the image nor the art exist. If the photographer uses film, that light creates an ephemeral latent image that is brought to life in the darkroom. With digital cameras, the light hits the sensor, creating a cascade of electronic processes to deliver a final file. Using technology, the photographer creates art by being sensitive to light in the environment, whether found or provided, and committing it and its resulting shadows to film or file.
DCP invites you to submit images that highlight light. How does the selection, placement or quality of light help you tell a story or convey a mood to the viewer? We’re looking for images that have light as a significant element in the image, as if the light itself is a subject in the composition.
Week of May 3 – Selections and winners announced
Online submission of digital images via the website. Those selected will provide framed photograph for the gallery exhibit. Each applicant may submit up to 10 images for consideration.
Image requirements: 1200 pixels on the longest dimension and saved as a JPEG in the sRGB color space. Maximum file size is 8MB.
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.