Aperture Portfolio Prize

Aperture is a nonprofit publisher that leads conversations around photography worldwide. From our base in New York, Aperture connects global audiences and supports artists through our acclaimed quarterly magazine, books, exhibitions, digital platforms, public programs, limited-edition prints, and awards. Established in 1952 to advance “creative thinking, significantly expressed in words and photographs,” Aperture champions photography’s vital role in nurturing curiosity and encouraging a more just, tolerant society.

About the Aperture Portfolio Prize

The purpose of the Aperture Portfolio Prize is to identify trends in contemporary photography and highlight artists whose work deserves greater recognition. When choosing the first prize winner and up to four runners up, Aperture’s editorial staff look for innovative bodies of work that haven’t been widely seen in major publications or exhibition venues.

What Winners Receive

First Prize: The first-prize winner will be published in Aperture magazine and will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a $1,000 gift card to shop for gear at MPB.com, and a presentation organized by Aperture in New York City.

Shortlist: The four artists chosen for the shortlist will each receive a $1,000 cash prize and an editorial feature on Aperture.org.

All Finalists: All five finalists will receive exposure across Aperture’s email campaigns and social media channels, which reach a global audience of prominent curators, critics, artists, and members of the photography community.

Judging Criteria

When examining entries, Aperture’s editors and staff will consider the following criteria:

Is the work new, i.e., created in the past five years?
Is a theme or topic carried throughout the portfolio in a fully resolved, consistent manner?
Are each of the images individually strong?
What technical and presentation choices has the photographer made, and 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?

Entries are welcome from anyone who makes photographs. This program is inclusive, and work will not be chosen on the basis of the status of the photographer. It is the portfolio that counts.

Entry Requirements

The sole entry requirement for entering the Portfolio Prize is to be an Aperture magazine print subscriber. Subscriptions must be current through Spring 2024, issue #254. To subscribe, please visit aperture.org/magprize.

Juror information

The Aperture Portfolio Prize jury comprises Aperture’s experienced editors and staff. This year, the jury includes Lesley A. Martin, editor at large; Michael Famighetti, editor in chief of Aperture magazine; Denise Wolff, senior editor of books; Brendan Embser, senior editor of Aperture magazine; Annette Booth, director of exhibitions management; Noa Lin, editorial assistant of the book program; Cassidy Paul, digital editor; and Iesha Coppin-Forde, editorial assistant of the book program.

November 20, 2024: Call for entries is open for submissions.

December 1, 2024: Early-bird entry period ends. To access the early bird discount, subscribe here.

January 10, 2025: Deadline to submit. Call for entries closes at 11:59 p.m. (EST) the day of January 10. Absolutely no exceptions are made for late submissions. Please allow ample time to complete your submission.