American Photography 43: Call for Entries

American Photography is one of the most respected annual photography competitions, run by AI-AP, which also publishes American Illustration. A jury of art directors, photo editors, designers, curators and publishers selects the best photography of the year, and the chosen work appears in a large hardcover annual, printed one image per page. The call for entries for American Photography 43 is open, and the deadline is 5 February 2027.

AI-AP has run its competitions for more than 40 years. Its books are designed by a different designer each year and used by art directors as a reference when commissioning photographers.

Who Can Enter American Photography?

Eligibility is wide, despite the name:

• Anyone living, working or studying in the Americas (the US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean), of any nationality
• International photographers with citizenship of a country in the Americas, or with representation there
• Photographers whose work has been published or exhibited in the Americas, in print, online or in a gallery, including in international publications with global distribution

Photographers, agencies, publishers, representatives, educators and students can all enter. Published and unpublished work is eligible, as are personal projects and commissioned work that was never used. Check the eligibility page for the exact period in which work must have been made or published.

Human-Made Work Only

AI-AP requires entrants to confirm authorship and copyright. Work must be made by a human creator: images generated by artificial intelligence are not accepted.

What Selected Photographers Receive

• Publication in the annual, a large-format hardcover book
• A place in the online archive, with contact details and credits
• The winners' slideshow sent to the organisers' subscribers
• Introductions to clients through AI-AP's consultancy service
• A discounted ticket to the launch party in New York

All entrants receive the organisers' newsletters and can buy the book at a 53% discount.

How to Enter

Create an AI-AP account or log in, start a new entry, choose single, series or student, and select a category. You add the photographer's name, title, a short description, publication details and date, then upload JPG files of at least 72 dpi in RGB, up to 5 MB each, and pay by card, PayPal or invoice. If selected, you will be asked for high-resolution files.

Tips for Entering

Choose your strongest images rather than everything from the year. Series should hold together as a story or body of work. Give clear credits for commissioned work, including the client, publication and art director.

Why It Matters

For photographers who work for magazines, agencies and brands, a place in the annual is a recognised credential. Art directors, photo editors and art buyers use the book and the online archive to find photographers, and AI-AP introduces winners to clients for stories and campaigns. The organisers also send extra copies of the book to art directors and editors recommended by winners. Even entrants who are not selected receive the newsletters and a book discount, so entering also keeps you connected to the community that commissions photography.

Credits and Permissions

For commissioned work, gather full credits before you start: the client, the publication or agency, the art director and the date of publication. Accurate credits matter if your work is selected for the annual, and they help art directors find and contact you afterwards.

Things to Consider

• Americas connection required.
• No AI-generated images.
• Student category at a discount.
• Deadline: 5 February 2027.

Enter the Competition

Ready to be considered for the annual?

Enter American Photography 43

Eligibility, instructions and the entry system are on the AI-AP website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 4, 2026