Aperture Portfolio Prize

Deadline: Next deadline not announced
Entry Fee: A current Aperture print subscription is required
Prize: Previous round: US$5,000 plus US$1,000 gear gift card
Website: aperture.org/calls-for-entry/portfolio-prize/

Submissions are not currently open. Check the official website for the next call.

About the Competition

Aperture’s annual Portfolio Prize spotlights new talent and bodies of work that have not been widely seen. Its 2026 call closed January 11, 2026. The next call, subscription requirements and deadline are awaited.

Check the official competition website for full rules and updates.

Prizes

The previous first prize included US$5,000, a US$1,000 MPB gift card and magazine publication. Four shortlisted artists received US$1,000 each; all five finalists participated in an Aperture group exhibition.

Theme

A coherent body of contemporary photographic work

Eligibility

Previous rules required a current print subscription, a portfolio of 10–15 images, a statement, CV and bio. Work featured by Aperture within the previous three years was ineligible. Next-round subscription dates and requirements are to be confirmed.

Copyrights & Licensing

Photographers retain copyright. Published terms grant Aperture a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual licence to reproduce representative submitted work in publications, websites and promotional materials connected with the Portfolio Prize, with photographer credit. Check new-round terms before entering.