2026 Aperture Portfolio Prize
Deadline
January 10, 2026
65 days left
Application Fee
FEES
The sole entry requirement for entering the Portfolio Prize is to be an Aperture magazine print subscriber. Subscriptions must be current through Spring 2026, issue 262.
Rewards
Multiple Rewards
Interest
High
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About This Opportunity
Celebrating its twentieth year, the Aperture Portfolio Prize is an annual international competition to spotlight new talent in contemporary photography. When choosing the first-prize winner and short list, our judges look for innovative bodies of work that have not been widely seen in major publications or exhibition venues. The Aperture Portfolio Prize is open exclusively to _Aperture_ magazine print subscribers.
What You'll Get
Types: CASHPRIZE, EXHIBITION, OTHER
* **First Prize**: The first-prize winner is published in _Aperture_ magazine and receives a $5,000 cash prize and a $1,000 gift card to shop for gear at [**mpb.com**](http://mpb.com). * **Shortlist**: The four artists chosen for the shortlist each receive a $1,000 cash prize and an editorial feature on [**aperture.org**](http://aperture.org). * **All Finalists**: All five finalists participate in a group exhibition organized by Aperture at AIPAD in New York in April 2026. Finalists receive exposure across Aperture's email and social channels, which reach a global audience of prominent curators, critics, artists, and members of the photography community. The winner and shortlist may also have the opportunity to participate in the Aperture limited-edition print program.
Application Requirements
- APPLICATION_FORMS
- ARTWORK_PORTFOLIO
- PROJECT_DESCRIPTION
Eligibility
Other Requirements
Entries are welcome from anyone who makes photographs. Work will not be chosen based on the status of the photographer. It is the portfolio that counts. When examining entries, judges will consider the following criteria: * Was the work created in the past five years? * Is a theme or topic carried throughout the portfolio in a fully resolved, consistent manner? * Are all the images individually strong? * What technical and presentation choices has the photographer made? Are they appropriate for the work? For example, is there a clear reason for the work being in black and white - versus a digitally enhanced palette? * Does the body of work take an innovative or unique approach to the subject matter?
Aperture Foundation
New York, US
Verified Organization
Active since 2020
Ready to take the next step?
Don't miss out on this opportunity. Applications close on January 10, 2026.