The deadline is approaching rapidly, with entries closing on January 18, 2026. This is a unique opportunity to have your analog work showcased in a physical gallery setting, bridging the gap between the intimate scale of a Polaroid and the public space of a museum-quality exhibition.
Contents
Prizes
The primary reward for this competition is the opportunity for a physical exhibition at the Praxis Gallery in Minneapolis. The gallery is known for its high-quality presentation and dedication to the photographic arts.
Selected Photographers:
Up to 38 images will be selected by the curators for the exhibition. These works will be on display from February 21 to March 14, 2026.
Directors’ Choice Award:
One artist will receive the Directors’ Choice Award. This prize includes free entry into three future juried calls of the artist’s choice and a complimentary exhibit book.
Honorable Mentions:
Five Honorable Mentions will be awarded. These artists will be featured in the exhibition, the printed show catalog, and the online exhibit gallery.
Publication:
All selected works, including Honorable Mentions and the Directors’ Choice, will be included in the printed show catalog and featured in the online exhibit gallery.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
This POLAROID: The Instant Image is an open theme competition restricted to analog instant photography. The organizers welcome diverse approaches.
Dates and Entry Fees
Entry Deadline: January 18, 2026.
Notice of Acceptance: January 27, 2026.
Exhibition Dates: February 21 – March 14, 2026.
Entry Fees:
- $35.00 for the first 5 images.
- $5.00 for each additional image (up to 10 total images).
The gallery offers a limited number of free entries for artists experiencing financial hardship. Interested photographers should contact the gallery directly for details.
How to Enter
The initial submission process is digital. You must submit high-resolution JPG files of your instant work via the online submission portal. Files should be 72 dpi or higher, with the longest side measuring at least 1200 pixels, and not exceeding 4MB in size.
Important for Selected Artists: If your work is chosen for the exhibition, you have two options for the physical show:
- Submit Original Prints: You send the original instant print to the gallery. Praxis will mat and frame it in a museum-quality frame for the exhibition.
- Praxis Printing Service: You submit a high-resolution scan, and Praxis will print it at true instant-film scale for a fee (typically around $37, which includes printing, matting, and framing).
About the Jury
The curation for POLAROID: The Instant Image will be conducted by the Praxis Directors. As leaders of a non-profit, community-based arts organization, they bring a wealth of experience in curating exhibitions that highlight both contemporary and traditional photographic practices. Their selection process focuses on creating a cohesive and visually compelling narrative that honors the unique qualities of instant film.
Why Enter POLAROID: The Instant Image?
This competition offers a rare opportunity to have small-scale instant works presented with the gravity of fine art. The Praxis Gallery is a respected venue that understands how to display these unique objects. By participating, you are validating the continued relevance of analog processes in a digital world.
While you may find other best photography challenges online, few offer the specific focus on materiality that Praxis does. Furthermore, the option to have the gallery handle the printing and framing (if you choose the digital route for the final show) makes this an accessible international exhibition for artists who might be worried about shipping delicate original Polaroids. It is a perfect blend of honoring the artifact while utilizing modern convenience.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the POLAROID: The Instant Image 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 Rights
Artists retain all copyrights to their images. By being accepted into the exhibition, artists grant Praxis Gallery a non-exclusive right to use the submitted files for exhibition, promotion, and archival purposes. This includes usage on the gallery’s website, social media, and online exhibition galleries. The gallery guarantees that artist credit will accompany all uses of the work.
General Rules
The contest is open to photographers internationally who are 18 years of age or older. All submitted works must be created using analog instant photographic processes. Sculptural or 3D instant works must be submitted as 2D photographic documentation. Entry fees are non-refundable.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
