The LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 is now open for submissions, inviting photographers from around the world to showcase their best portrait work. Celebrating its 12th edition, this international photography contest is dedicated to discovering and promoting outstanding portrait photography in all its forms. The competition welcomes all styles and approaches to portraiture. Winners will gain international exposure, cash prizes, and opportunities to exhibit their work in New York City.
The contest offers cash prizes totaling $10,000, with individual awards for both series and single-image entries. The grand prize winners in the series and single image categories will receive $3,500 and $2,000, respectively. Additionally, selected photographers will have the opportunity to have their work exhibited at the LensCulture Discoveries Exhibition in New York, featured in international photo festivals, and highlighted in prominent media outlets worldwide. The winners will also be included in LensCulture Discoveries, an exclusive directory of top-rated photographers viewed by key industry decision-makers.
The competition features two main entry options: single images and series entries (up to 10 images judged as a cohesive body of work). Additionally, jurors will handpick individual images for special recognition. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers, with an option to submit a single image for free. Additional images or series entries require a submission fee.
The final submission deadline is April 2, 2025. A 30% discount is available for students, making this a more accessible opportunity for emerging photographers. The judging panel consists of renowned industry professionals from publications such as Vogue Italia, The New Yorker, National Geographic, and The New York Times Style Magazine.
For those interested in free online photo contests, the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 is a valuable opportunity to compete on a global stage. This contest offers an exceptional chance to be seen by industry leaders.
The LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 Prizes
Prizes in the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 are designed to recognize and promote exceptional portrait photographers worldwide. With cash awards, exhibition opportunities, and global media coverage, this competition offers multiple benefits beyond monetary rewards.
Cash Prizes
- Series Category:
- 1st Place: $3,500
- 2nd Place: $2,000
- 3rd Place: $1,000
- Single Image Category:
- 1st Place: $2,000
- 2nd Place: $1,000
- 3rd Place: $500
- Jurors’ Picks: Each juror selects a personal favorite for special recognition.
Additional Benefits for Winners
- Exhibition in New York City as part of the LensCulture Discoveries event.
- Feature publication on LensCulture for series winners.
- Inclusion in LensCulture Discoveries, a directory shared with top industry professionals.
- International media exposure in outlets like The Guardian, National Geographic, BBC, The Washington Post, and more.
- Visibility at international photography festivals across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
- Online gallery presence on LensCulture, ensuring continued recognition.
The Categories of the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025
The LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 embraces all forms of portrait photography, allowing photographers to explore diverse styles, themes, and creative expressions. Submissions can range from classic studio portraits to documentary series, conceptual photography, and experimental work.
The lack of strict categories encourages artistic freedom and innovation, enabling photographers to submit work that aligns with their unique vision and storytelling approach.
LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Below are the key dates and submission costs for the competition.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Final Submission Deadline | April 2, 2025 |
| Winners Announced | To be determined after judging |
Entry Fees
| Submission Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Image (1 free entry per person) | Free |
| Additional Single Images | $10 per image |
| 5+ Single Images | $35 (includes 5 images) |
| Series (Up to 10 images, judged as a group) | $45 |
| Written Review (Optional for Series Entries) | +$25 |
Students are eligible for a 30% discount on entry fees.
About the Jury
The LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 is judged by a panel of esteemed professionals from leading photography institutions and publications. The jury includes:
- Francesca Marani (Vogue Italia, Italy)
- Clare Freestone (National Portrait Gallery, UK)
- Alex Kahl (WePresent, The Netherlands)
- Noelle Flores Théard (The New Yorker, USA)
- Nadia Vellam (The New York Times Style Magazine, USA)
- Ramón Reverté (RM Publishing, Spain)
- Breann Birkenbuel (National Geographic, USA)
- Jim Casper (LensCulture, The Netherlands)
Their expertise ensures a fair and professional selection process, recognizing the most compelling and impactful portrait photography submissions.
Why Enter the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025?
Participating in the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 offers photographers the chance to gain international recognition and access career-enhancing opportunities. Winners will receive financial rewards, but more importantly, they will benefit from massive exposure across the global photography industry.
The competition provides a prestigious platform where emerging and established photographers can showcase their work to influential professionals in publishing, museums, galleries, and media outlets. Best online photography challenges like this one can open doors to new career opportunities, including exhibitions, publications, and industry connections.
With benefits ranging from cash prizes to New York exhibitions and international press coverage, the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2025 is a solid choice for photographers looking to elevate their work.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
