IAperture Portfolio Prize Replaces Biannual Portfolio Review
Please note that due to the high volume of requests, it is not possible for Aperture’s editors to review unsolicited material outside of the Aperture Portfolio Prize competition. Thank you for your understanding.
What are Aperture’s editors looking for?
While all work submitted will be considered for one of the prizes or publication beyond the competition, in choosing the first-prize winner and runners-up, we hope to recognize innovative work that pushes the boundaries of what has been seen or done before. We are looking for work that is fresh and that hasn’t been widely seen in other major publications or exhibition venues.
What is considered “new” or “recent” work?
Work that has been created within the past five years.
Can a submission be considered for both the competition
and as a book proposal?
Yes. Beyond the Aperture Portfolio Prize, judges will consider the work for any and all Aperture publications and exhibitions.
I have a book proposal; should I submit my work via the competition?
Yes. Make a note at the top of your statement, and please be sure to follow the entry requirements.
I’d prefer to skip the competition and submit my work directly to an Aperture editor. Is this possible?
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of requests, it is not possible for Aperture’s editors to review material outside of the Aperture Portfolio Prize competition. Further, unsolicited work cannot be returned unless sufficient return postage has been included.
If my work has been published in a monograph, or if I’ve won a competition with Aperture in the past, can I enter the current competition?
In an effort to create opportunities for lesser-known photographers, we cannot accept entries from those who have had their work published in a monograph. The same is true of entrants who have won an Aperture competition within the last three years. However, we encourage you to reapply after the three years have passed.
I’m not a techie. Is the online submission process difficult?
You will find easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions at www.callforentry.org.
Can I submit more than one 15-image entry to the competition?
Artists may submit up to two separate portfolios of 15 images each. A separate Café profile and application is required for each entry. The $25 entry fee must be paid for each submission, though the same Aperture magazine account can be used for both submissions. Registration content is not transferable from one account to another.
Aperture’s old Portfolio Review used to accept hard-copy submissions. Will my work be seen at a disadvantage if viewed online?
Aperture’s editors are accustomed to evaluating photography via computer monitors. This is quickly becoming standard practice for more and more juried competitions and reviews. If your scans are good quality, we will easily make the mental leap from the computer screen to the actual work.
How do I subscribe to Aperture magazine?
Visit www.aperture.org/portfolio to purchase a subscription at the professional discount of $32.00 for one year (Canada $57.00; international $62.00). Students and educators are eligible for a special rate at www.aperture.org/student.
I don’t currently subscribe to Aperture, but I used to. Can I still enter?
Only the work of current, paid subscribers is eligible. As a competition entrant you are eligible for the professional rate of $32.00 for one year (Canada $57.00; international $62.00). Prior to submitting your work online, visit www.aperture.org/portfolio for this discounted rate. Students and educators are eligible for a special rate by visiting www.aperture.org/student.
Where do I find my Aperture magazine account number?
If you are a current subscriber, check the address label affixed to the outside of a recent issue (as shown below) or request your account number by sending an email with your name and address to custsvc_aperture@fulcoinc.com. (If you are a new subscriber, your account number will be included in your subscription confirmation email.)
*Actual label or invoice may differ from one shown.
How do I find out when my subscription expires?
If you know your account number, you can check the status of your subscription on the change-of-address page. Just view your account status without submitting a change-of-address. If you don’t know your account number, you can email us here. Please include your name and address.
What happens to work that is chosen as the first-prize winner or as a runner-up?
Once an entrant has been chosen for the first prize or as a runner-up, an editorial staff member will contact the artist. The first-prize winner will receive $2,500. Work by the first-prize winner as well as runners-up will be featured on the Aperture website for approximately one year. We also will announce the winners in an Aperture e-newsletter.
If I am not a winner will I receive feedback and suggestions on my work?
Due to the large number of entries it is not possible to provide personalized feedback for every entrant. Please see our Resources page to find information about review opportunities, including in-person reviews and other competitions and awards.
I still need help. Who can I contact?
Send an email to apertureprize@aperture.org or call (212) 946-7137.
