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The Summertime Vintage by Los Angeles Center of Photography is an open call celebrating the charm and unpredictability of lo-fi imaging tools—from retro Holgas to Polaroids—with cash awards and exhibitions at LACP’s DTLA gallery. Submissions are accepted through Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and winners are revealed on June 26 before an opening reception on August 7. With top prizes amounting to $500 plus iconic Holga cameras, this event ranks among the best photo contests for photographers fascinated by nostalgia and creative experimentation.
Entrants may upload up to three images that explore vintage photography—whether you’re shooting expired-film panoramas or embracing the pastel hues of a 1990s disposable. Entry fees begin at $25 for one image (with member discounts available) and scale up to $200 for thirty-five submissions. Accepted work will feature in an in-person exhibition running August 7–September 27, 2025, with honorable mentions showcased online. This single-theme call spotlights the cultural resonance and DIY spirit of analog techniques.
For image-makers passionate about hands-on processes, the Summertime Vintage 2025 by Los Angeles Center of Photography offers both community exposure and financial incentive. Whether you specialize in soft-focus street scenes or experimental toy-camera portraits, this showcase provides a tangible platform to display your vision under the banner of one of the year’s most engaging photo competitions.
The Summertime Vintage by Los Angeles Center of Photography Prizes
Cash awards and hardware prizes recognize the top three photographers, with all winners included in LACP’s summer exhibition:
- 1st Place: US $500 + Holga Camera
- 2nd Place: US $250 gift card + Holga Camera
- 3rd Place: US $125 gift card + Holga Camera
- Honorable Mentions: Exhibition inclusion (online & in-person)
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Summertime Vintage by Los Angeles Center of Photography
This call follows a single, open theme: lo-fi and vintage aesthetics. All photographs are judged equally on creative interpretation, technical character, and thematic relevance.
LACP invites submissions that capture this theme from a multitude of perspectives, practices, and approaches. This could include images made with classic toy cameras like a Holga or Lomo (or digital work emulating that style), Polaroid street chronicles, playful community portraits, or even works combining alternative processes with digital printing or purely virtual display forms. The essence is to capture a “Summertime Vintage” feel, making it a great fit for experimental photography challenges.
Summertime Vintage by Los Angeles Center of Photography 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Keep these important dates in mind for the “Summertime Vintage” exhibition call:
- Deadline for Submission: Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025
- Notice of Acceptance: Thursday, June 26th, 2025
- Opening Reception: Thursday, August 7th, 2025
- Exhibition Run Dates: August 7th, 2025 – September 27th, 2025
The entry fees are tiered and offer discounts for LACP Members:
- 1 image: $25
- 2-5 images: $50
- 6-10 images: $75
- 11-15 images: $100
- 16-20 images: $125
- 21-25 images: $150
- 26-30 images: $175
- 31-35 images: $200
LACP Members receive a 50% discount.
How to Enter:
To submit your work for the “Summertime Vintage” exhibition, you will need to use LACP’s designated online submission platform, Submittable. A link to enter and pay is provided on the official call for entries page on the LACP website. Prepare your digital files for upload, ensuring they are not watermarked. You will also need to provide an artist statement, details about the materials/techniques used, and the size/dimensions of each artwork when entering. The deadline for digital file submission via Submittable is Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, at Midnight PST, with no exceptions.
About the Jury
Dr. Rotem Rozental, Executive Director and Chief Curator at LACP, serves as juror and curator. She evaluates submissions blind for originality, technical flair, and alignment with the vintage theme.
Why Enter Summertime Vintage by Los Angeles Center of Photography 2025?
This competition melds artistic experimentation with real-world recognition: win gear, cash, and a spot in a high-profile summer exhibition. As one of the most engaging analog photography competitions, it connects you with peers who value tactile processes and creative risk-taking.
Moreover, the Los Angeles Center of Photography’s reputation for championing experimental work ensures your entries receive thoughtful critique and exposure to a dedicated audience of aficionados and industry professionals alike.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Summertime Vintage by Los Angeles Center of Photography has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
Submissions must be original photographs exploring **lo-fi/vintage** aesthetics. Maximum of three images per entrant. No AI-generated imagery. Entries that fail to meet file specifications, infringe copyright, or contain prohibited content will be disqualified.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers retain full copyright. By entering, participants grant LACP a non-exclusive license to reproduce images for promotional use (website, newsletter, social media), with artist credit. No additional rights are transferred without explicit permission.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
