The street is a theater where the script is written in real-time. ON THE BLOCK – A Street Photography Competition returns for its second edition, inviting photographers to capture these unscripted moments. Organized by the renowned Lucie Foundation, this open call searches for images that reveal the quiet truths and vivid stories concealed beneath the surface of everyday life, whether in dense urban centers or sleepy rural towns.
For those scanning our list of popular photo challenges, this competition stands out for its prestigious backing and focused theme. It is not just about documenting architecture, it is about the “unposed, unfiltered, and fleeting moments”. The deadline to submit your work is March 15, 2026. With a Grand Prize of $1,000, fine art prints, and a curated online exhibition on the line, it offers a significant platform for street photographers to have their work reviewed by industry heavyweights.
Contents
The ON THE BLOCK Prizes
The Lucie Foundation has structured the awards to provide both financial support and professional validation. A total of 40 photographers will be selected for the ON THE BLOCK online exhibition, ensuring broad visibility.
The specific prizes include:
- Grand Prize (1 Winner):
- $1,000 cash prize
- 16×20″ print of the winning image from Paper and Ink Studio
- A Lucie Honoree Poster
- Featured interview on the Lucie Foundation website
- Inclusion in the Online Exhibition
- Category Winners (3 Winners):
- $250 cash prize
- 16×20″ print of the winning image
- A Lucie Honoree Poster
- Inclusion in the Online Exhibition
- Online Exhibition:
40 selected photographers will have their images displayed in the Lucie Foundation’s curated online gallery.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of ON THE BLOCK
While the overarching theme is Street Photography, the competition is divided into four specific categories to allow for different interpretations of the genre. The organizers encourage experimental works that fit within the “loose framework” of the street.
The categories are:
- Landscape: For those who capture the urban environment and setting.
- Candid: The heart of the genre, perfect for street photography entrants who freeze decisive moments.
- Portrait: For images that focus on the people inhabiting these spaces, aligning with portrait photography.
- B/W: A dedicated category for black and white photography, celebrating the timeless aesthetic of monochrome streets.
ON THE BLOCK Dates and Entry Fees
The ON THE BLOCK competition offers a generous submission window leading into the spring of 2026.
Key Dates:
| Early Bird Deadline | December 24, 2025 (20% Discount) |
| Final Deadline | March 15, 2026 |
| Winners Announced | April 2026 |
Entry Costs:
- Standard Fee: $20 per image.
How to Enter:
Submissions are accepted exclusively through the Lucie Foundation’s online portal. You must upload JPG files. There is no limit to the number of images you can submit, but each image incurs a separate fee.
About the Jury
The ON THE BLOCK – A Street Photography Competition 2nd Edition boasts a stellar lineup of jurors, ensuring your work is seen by key figures in the art and photography world. The panel includes:
- Paris Chong: Gallery Director at the prestigious Leica Gallery Los Angeles.
- Matt Stuart: A world-renowned street photographer and member of the UP Photographers collective.
- Arturo Soto: Photographer, writer, and educator with a PhD in Fine Art.
Why Enter ON THE BLOCK?
The Lucie Foundation is one of the most respected names in the industry, organizing the annual “Lucie Awards.” Winning a competition under their banner carries significant weight and can open doors to galleries and collectors. This specific contest is one of the photography challenges and contests that bridges the gap between commercial appeal and fine art credibility.
Moreover, the jury is exceptional. Having your portfolio reviewed by the Director of Leica Gallery LA or a legend like Matt Stuart is an opportunity that rarely comes with such an accessible entry fee. The inclusion of high-quality prints from Paper & Ink Studio as prizes adds a tangible value that respects the medium of photography.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the ON THE BLOCK – A Street Photography Competition 2026 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage:
The photographer retains full copyright and ownership of their images. By entering, you grant the Lucie Foundation a license to use the submitted images strictly for the purpose of promoting the exhibition and the Open Call. This includes usage on their website, social media, and newsletters. The foundation guarantees that a credit line will accompany any photograph used.
Eligibility:
The competition is open to photographers worldwide working in any medium of photography (except AI). There are no restrictions on age or experience level. The theme is “street photography,” but the organizers encourage experimental works that fit within a loose framework of the genre.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
