On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery is an international call for entries dedicated to the rhythm of everyday life. The exhibition focuses on street photography in its broadest sense, from quick glances and near misses to bold encounters and visually complex scenes. The deadline for submissions is December 8, 2025, and selected images will be shown in a gallery exhibition in Middlebury, Vermont as well as in an online showcase.
Guided by the Diane Arbus quote “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know”, On the Street invites images that explore the beauty, humor, tension and humanity of the everyday. The contest is open to photographers aged 18 and over, working anywhere in the world, and welcomes work that could sit comfortably alongside images featured in other street photography contests. There is a submission fee of $39 for up to 5 images and $6 for each additional image.
Chosen photographs are eligible for a Juror’s Award, a Director’s Award and three Honorable Mentions, along with inclusion in a gallery exhibition and in the Online Gallery. All selected work appears in a printed catalog and on PhotoPlace Gallery’s website, with additional promotion through social media and direct links to each photographer’s own URL. For photographers browsing a curated list of photography competitions, On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery stands out as a focused chance to place their street images in front of an expert juror and an audience that is already engaged with contemporary photography.
Prizes
The prize structure for On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery combines recognition with long term visibility. Every selected photographer benefits from a mix of physical exhibition, online presence and publication.
One photographer will receive the Juror’s Award, chosen directly by the juror, Elizabeth Avedon.
PhotoPlace Gallery also designates a Director’s Award, selected by the gallery’s director.
In addition, three photographs will receive Honorable Mentions.
Up to 35 photographs will be printed and exhibited in PhotoPlace Gallery’s physical space in Middlebury, Vermont. Another 40 images will be presented in the Online Gallery, creating a curated selection of 75 works. All selected images, whether shown on site or online, will be reproduced in a printed exhibition catalog and will remain visible on the gallery’s website, supported by promotion on social media and links to each photographer’s own site.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery does not split entries into separate competition sections, but it does define clearly the themes it is looking for. The main thread is street, understood broadly to include classic candid situations, layered public interactions and quiet observational moments.
Photographers can submit work that fits traditional street photography, or they can approach public places through gesture, expression and body language. Others might lean into the geometry and structure of the built environment or see the street as a stage where people, buildings and chance come together. Rather than rigid categories, these themes act as a guide to the kind of work the juror and gallery hope to discover.
Dates and Entry Fees
The schedule for On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery is clear and helps photographers plan their submissions with confidence. Below is a structured overview of the key dates and costs.
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: December 8, 2025
- Prints due from selected photographers: January 23, 2026
- Physical exhibition in Middlebury, Vermont: February 6 to February 28, 2026
- Online Gallery: Presented during the same exhibition period
Entry Fees
- $39 for up to 5 images
- $6 for each additional image
How to Enter:
Participation in On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery is handled entirely online. Photographers visit the official call for entries page and use the “Upload Images Here” link, which takes them to PhotoPlace Gallery’s submission platform. Once there, they can follow the step by step prompts to upload their photographs, add their contact information and complete payment of the entry fee.
About the Jury
The juror for On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery is Elizabeth Avedon, an independent curator and designer with a long history in photography. She has worked with museums, galleries, publishers, artists and institutions on exhibitions, photobooks and visual identities and is known for her ability to edit and sequence bodies of work with a clear, refined eye.
Why Enter On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery?
On the Street by PhotoPlace Gallery is designed for photographers who care about how their street work is seen and described. The call focuses on the small, unscripted moments that make up daily life, which means it naturally appeals to those who already follow other street photography competitions and exhibitions. At the same time, it offers something very concrete. Selected photographers see their images on the walls of a dedicated gallery, in a curated online presentation and in a printed catalog that continues to circulate after the show has closed.
The involvement of an experienced juror like Elizabeth Avedon is another key reason to consider entering. Her background in editing, book design and exhibition curation means that every submission is viewed through the lens of how photographs work together and how they might live beyond a single contest. For photographers building a body of work on the street, having images chosen by a juror with strong ties to museums, publishers and galleries can be a meaningful step that supports their long term practice.
On the Street also fits naturally within other opportunities featured on Deartline, including our selection of best photography contests and themed calls in people and architecture. What sets it apart is its clear focus on how real life looks when it is not posed and on how those moments can be shared with an audience that appreciates them. For photographers who want their work to live beyond social media, and to be part of a carefully edited group of images that reflect how life unfolds in public spaces, this call offers a straightforward and well structured way to take the next step.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
