The 7th Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025 invites photographers from around the globe to participate in one of the more notable annual showcases of contemporary photography. Organized by the New York Art Competitions and hosted in the Chelsea art district of Manhattan, this contest offers the chance for 30 photographers to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery space. With over $55,000 in prizes, it is open to both amateur and professional photographers. The competition is now open, with submissions accepted until November 4, 2025. Results will be announced on December 9, 2025.
The contest does not impose thematic limitations, allowing for a wide range of photographic exploration—from fine art to commercial, from documentary to experimental. Photographers can submit images on any subject, including regional cultures, urban life, personal projects, or more abstract expressions. Submissions are divided into two categories: Amateur and Professional, with each requiring different entry minimums and fee structures.
Prizes include a collective exhibition in New York for 30 selected photographers, cash awards of $500 for five participants, and a special Avant Max Creator Kit awarded as part of “The Art of Light Award.” The contest fees are $45 (amateurs) and $55 (professionals) for five images. The opportunity to exhibit in Chelsea and be seen by art world professionals gives this competition real value. For photographers interested in meaningful exposure, portfolio development, and entering the fine art photography scene, this Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025 is an interesting item to consider among photography contests and awards.
The 7th Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025 Prizes
With a total prize pool valued at over $55,000, the 7th Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025 focuses on meaningful rewards that can help photographers develop their careers and gain real-world exposure. From professional exhibition opportunities to promotional features, this contest aims to highlight the creative potential of its selected participants.
30 Photographers Selected for a Group Exhibition in New York City
Held at a prominent Chelsea gallery, this group show offers invaluable exposure in one of the world’s leading art markets.$500 Cash Prizes (5 Winners)
Five photographers will receive direct financial awards to support their creative practice.The Art of Light Award (1 Winner)
Sponsored by Harlowe, this award includes an Avant Max Creator Kit (Midnight) designed for creative professionals.Online Feature on ARTmine (5 Winners)
Selected photographers will be showcased for an entire year on ARTmine.com, an established online art platform.Social Media Promotion (5 Winners)
Featured across the competition’s platforms during the exhibition week, helping to expand audience reach.Honorable Mentions (10 Photographers)
These winners receive complimentary entry to the 8th edition of the Chelsea International Photography Competition.
The Categories of the Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025
The contest is divided into two primary entry categories: Amateur and Professional. These categories reflect the participants’ level of experience and involvement in photography as a career.
Amateur Photography
For those who pursue photography as a personal passion rather than a professional endeavor. Entrants can submit as few as one image, and the competition allows full creative freedom with no subject matter restrictions.Professional Photography
Geared toward photographers who earn a significant portion of their income through photography and maintain a consistent body of published or commercial work. Professionals must submit a minimum of five images, which may be part of a series or stand-alone works.
Both categories accept a wide range of formats, including digital, analog, and phone photography.
7th Chelsea International Photography Competition Dates and Entry Fees
The 7th Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025 is now open for entries, with a clear and straightforward submission process. Below are the key dates and entry fees associated with this year’s edition.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Competition Opens | Already Open |
| Submission Deadline | November 4, 2025 |
| Winners Announced | December 9, 2025 |
| Group Exhibition (Selected Work) | Date TBD, 2026 |
Entry Fees
| Category | Fee (Up to 5 Images) | Additional Images |
|---|---|---|
| Amateur | $45 | $5 per extra image |
| Professional | $55 | $5 per extra image |
How to Enter
Entries must be submitted through the official website. Participants must upload their photographs in JPG/JPEG format, with a minimum resolution of 72 dpi and a size of at least 200 KB. For amateurs, one image is sufficient to enter; professionals must submit five. All submissions must include titles, and professionals may also include an optional series description.
About the Jury
The judging panel brings together expertise from diverse areas of photography, media, and visual storytelling. The jury is composed of recognized professionals who assess each entry based on merit, creativity, and visual impact.
Michelle Bogre – Documentary Photographer, Copyright Lawyer, and Professor Emerita at Parsons School of Design.
Andrew VanWickler – Visual Content Director at ABC News Digital with over 20 years in editorial photography and design.
Devin Allen – Award-winning photographer and photojournalist known for his work featured on the cover of Timemagazine.
Why enter the Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025?
The Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025 offers a unique opportunity to be part of a professionally curated exhibition in one of the most influential art districts in the world. With no thematic limitations, the competition encourages creative freedom while offering valuable career-building exposure—both in-person through the exhibition, and online via media and platform features.
The contest appeals to both emerging and established photographers who are searching for meaningful ways to grow their audience and connect with professionals in the field. For those researching the best photography challenges currently open internationally, this is a solid and clearly structured option to consider.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the 7th Chelsea International Photography Competition 2025 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
The competition is open to photographers over the age of 18 worldwide.
Collaborative work is permitted (max two photographers).
There is no restriction on when the photos were taken.
All submitted photographs must be available for sale.
Submissions are only accepted digitally via the official website.
Image manipulation is allowed but should be disclosed in the image description.
Copyright and Usage
Entrants retain full copyright of their images.
The organizers are granted limited usage rights for promotional purposes only, always with credit to the photographer.
If a work is sold during the exhibition, the artist will receive 60% of the sale price.
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For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
