8th Chelsea International Photography Competition

The 8th Chelsea International Photography Competition is an open call for photographers worldwide, organised by New York Art Competitions, the team behind Agora Gallery in Chelsea. The jury selects 30 photographers to exhibit in a group show at Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th Street, New York, in February 2027, and five of them also receive a $500 cash prize.

There is no set theme. The competition calls itself "a fresh look at contemporary photography" and accepts every genre, from documentary and street photography to landscape, portrait, fine art and conceptual work. Entrants compete in one of two categories, amateur or professional, and each entry includes up to five images.

For photographers outside the United States, the main attraction is the exhibition: a chance to show printed work in one of New York's best-known gallery districts and to be seen alongside photographers from other countries.

Who Can Enter the Chelsea International Photography Competition?

The competition is open to photographers from any country. There are two categories:

• Amateur: for people who photograph for pleasure rather than as their main income
• Professional: for photographers who work professionally

It is particularly relevant to:

• Fine art photographers looking for a New York exhibition
• Documentary and street photographers with a strong series
• Emerging photographers building an exhibition record
• Professionals who want international exposure for personal work

What Can You Enter?

Each entry includes up to five photographs. There is no theme, so you can enter a coherent series or five strong single images. The jury looks at the quality of the photographs and how they work together.

Because the prize is a place in a gallery exhibition, it helps to think about how your images would hang on a wall. Work that holds up as a print, with a consistent tone and a clear subject, tends to suit a group show better than images made only for screens.

Entry Fees

• Amateur: $45 for up to 5 images
• Professional: $55 for up to 5 images

Fees are paid online when you submit.

What Do Selected Entrants Receive?

• Group exhibition: 30 photographers are selected to show work at Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th Street, Chelsea, New York, in February 2027
• Cash prizes: five winners receive $500 each
• The Art of Light Award: presented by Harlowe, one photographer receives an Avant Max Creator Kit
• Online promotion: five photographers receive a one-year spotlight on ARTmine.com
• Social media promotion: five photographers are featured for one week on the organisers' channels during the exhibition
• Honourable mentions: ten photographers receive an honourable mention and a free entry to the 9th edition

Submission Requirements

Entries are submitted online through the New York Art Competitions website. For each photograph you will need a title and a digital file of good quality; the guidelines and FAQ pages on the official site set out the technical details.

Before you enter, prepare:

• Up to five final images, edited and sequenced
• A title for each photograph
• Your category choice: amateur or professional

Important Rules

• Each entry is made in one category only, amateur or professional.
• An entry includes up to five photographs.
• Selected photographers are responsible for preparing their work for the exhibition according to the organisers' instructions.
• The full terms are in the guidelines and FAQ on the official website.

When Will Entrants Be Notified?

A rotating panel of expert jurors reviews the entries. For the 8th edition the jury includes Alison Morley, Chair Emerita of the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism Program at the International Center of Photography; Roy Schweiger, a New York photographer and director; and Sandra M. Stevenson, Deputy Director of Photography at The Washington Post.

Selected photographers are contacted by the organisers after judging, ahead of the February 2027 exhibition.

Things to Consider

• Think like a curator. Five images that belong together usually make a stronger entry than five unrelated favourites.
• Pick the right category. The amateur fee is lower, but choose the category that honestly fits your practice.
• Plan for the show. If selected, you will need to prepare and send prints to New York; budget for printing and shipping.
• Read the guidelines. Technical requirements and exhibition terms are set out on the official guidelines page.
• Check print quality. Make sure your files can be printed at exhibition size without losing detail.
• Use the deadline wisely. Entries close on 3 November 2026; leave time to edit and title your images properly.

Enter the Competition

Interested in submitting your work?

Enter the Chelsea International Photography Competition

For the full guidelines, FAQ and entry form, visit the official New York Art Competitions website.

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

Last verified: October 12, 2026