Fine art photo contests

Open fine art photography competitions, awards and calls for entry. Soonest deadline first, checked daily.

Fine art photography calls invite conceptual, abstract and experimental work, often for gallery exhibitions, residencies and publications. Juries tend to judge the body of work and the thinking behind it as much as single images.

54 open contests

What juries look for in fine art photography

  • A consistent visual language across the series.
  • An idea that the images carry without long explanation.
  • Presentation that suits the work, including print and installation choices.

How to prepare your entry

Prepare an artist statement and a short bio in the voice of a gallery wall text. Many fine art calls are curated by gallerists who read the text first.

Before you pay a fee

Exhibition calls can carry hanging or framing fees after selection. Count them before you enter.

Every listing on Photographers First shows the deadline in your time zone, the fee in your currency, the prize as stated by the organizer, and a direct link to the official rules. Pro members also get advanced filters by fee, prize and country, unlimited saved contests, and an entry tracker for deadlines and spending. See what Pro adds.

Related

Questions photographers ask

What are fine art photography contests?

Fine art photography calls invite conceptual, abstract and experimental work, often for gallery exhibitions, residencies and publications. Juries tend to judge the body of work and the thinking behind it as much as single images.

What do judges look for in fine art photography?

A consistent visual language across the series. An idea that the images carry without long explanation. Presentation that suits the work, including print and installation choices.

Which fine art contests are free to enter?

Use the "Free" filter on this page. Free fine art calls are usually run by magazines, galleries, foundations and brands. Every listing shows the fee before you click through.

How do I avoid poor value contests?

Compare the entry fee to the prize and to the number of winners, check who judges, and read the rights clause before you pay. A fair contest only asks for a licence to promote the competition, never ownership of your images.