Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest 2026

The Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest 2026 invites photographers to strip away the distractions of the spectrum and focus on the raw power of the monochrome image. This competition is dedicated exclusively to black and white photography and seeks to celebrate single images that stand on their own as complete narratives.

For those searching for similar photo challenges online that value artistic integrity over trends, this contest is a definitive choice. It connects photographers with a high-caliber jury from prestigious institutions like SFMOMA and Aperture. Whether you are a professional photographer or a student just starting your journey, the Exposure One Awards offers a level playing field where your visual voice is the primary metric for success.

The deadline for submissions is May 4, 2026. This event welcomes entries across a massive range of genres, from architecture to wildlife, provided they adhere to the strict black and white requirement. With a cash prize pool and global promotion opportunities, it is an essential opportunity for anyone dedicated to the monochrome craft.

Prizes

The Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest offers a combined cash prize pool of $4,000. The competition is divided into two distinct levels, Professional and Non-Professional, each with its own dedicated rewards to ensure fair recognition.

• Professional Winners:
  • $2,500 in Cash Prizes: Distributed among the top winners in the professional division.
  • The Trophy: A personalized Grey Metal Exposure One Trophy.
  • Validation: A published winner’s interview and a printed & embossed achievement certificate.
• Non-Professional Winners:
  • $1,500 in Cash Prizes: Dedicated exclusively to non-professional entrants.
  • The Trophy: A personalized Grey Metal Exposure One Trophy.
  • Validation: A published winner’s interview and a printed & embossed achievement certificate.
• Career Exposure Package (All Winners & Category Winners):
  • Artist Directory: A public profile page with links to your website and social media.
  • Press Coverage: International press exposure to the global community and a custom press release tailored to your achievement.
  • Winner’s Gallery: Your entry will be permanently featured in the official Winner’s Gallery.
  • Social Media: A chance to be featured on Exposure One’s social channels and newsletter.
• Additional Honors: Winners, Category Winners, People’s Vote winners, and Honorable Mentions are all eligible to purchase the exclusive Color Metal Exposure One Trophy.

Categories

This Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest 2026 is exclusively for black and white photography. Color images will not be considered. However, sepia and single-tone images are accepted. Within this monochrome requirement, you can submit to a wide variety of genres.

• Abstract
• Aerial
• Architecture
• Conceptual
• Domestic Animals
• Event
• Fashion & Beauty
• Film/Analog
• Fine Art
• Landscapes
• Minimalism
• Nature
• Nude
• People
• Photojournalism
• Portrait
• Still Life
• Street
• Travel
• Wildlife
• Other

Dates and Entry Fees

The Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest 2026 uses a tiered deadline system. Submitting early offers significant savings on entry fees. The costs vary depending on whether you are a Professional, Non-Professional, or Student.

Final Deadline: May 4, 2026.

How to Enter

You must create an account on the Exposure One website to submit.

• Format: Images must be JPEG or PNG files.
• Resolution: Minimum of 1500 pixels on the longest edge.
• File Size: Less than 10 MB.
• Restrictions: Do not add watermarks or logos to your images. AI-generated images are strictly prohibited.
• Source: Images can be from digital cameras, film scans, or mobile phones.

About the Jury

The jury panel consists of highly respected professionals from the gallery and museum world. Their involvement ensures that your work is reviewed by individuals who actively shape the photography market. The 2026 judges include:

• Susan Ciccotti: Copy Chief at Aperture.
• Lindsey Sharman: Curator at the Art Gallery of Alberta.
• Shana Lopes: Assistant Curator of Photography at SFMOMA.
• Paris Chong: Gallery Director at Leica Gallery LA.

Why Enter Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest 2026?

The primary value of the Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest 2026 lies in the caliber of its jury. Your work is reviewed by influential decision-makers from powerhouses like Vogue Italia, The Washington Post, and Magnum Photos. This creates a rare opportunity to have your monochrome imagery validated by the very people who define contemporary visual standards. It is not just about winning a prize. It is about getting your name on the radar of the industry elite.

Furthermore, the competition offers a substantial return on investment through its “Career Exposure Package.” Winners do not just receive a share of the $4,000 cash pool. They are equipped with professional marketing tools, including a custom press release and a permanent feature in the Artist Directory. This focus on long-term promotion makes it one of the best photography contests to enter for artists seeking sustainable growth. The addition of a physical, personalized metal trophy adds a tangible symbol of excellence that sets this award apart from digital-only accolades.

Rules and Copyright

This section about the rules and image rights of the Exposure One Awards One Shot Photo Contest 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.

You retain full ownership and copyright of your images. By entering the contest, you grant Exposure One a non-exclusive license to display your images on their website, social media, and marketing materials specifically for the purpose of promoting the awards and the winners. The organizers do not claim ownership of your work.

For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.