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Have you ever paused to admire the magic of a city skyline mirrored in a puddle, or the surreal patterns dancing on tinted glass? Reflections 2025 by NYC4PA invites photographers worldwide to transform ordinary reflections into extraordinary visuals. With a $4,000 prize pool, including a $1,100 grand prize and a coveted feature on the NYC4PA homepage, this competition sits just shy of the top photography competitions.
Open to any 2D photographic medium—from digital captures and silver gelatin prints to experimental transfers—Reflections 2025 encourages creative freedom under its single theme: reflections. Entrants may submit unlimited images by paying a base fee of $35 for up to three submissions and $10 for each additional photograph. The final entry deadline is September 14, 2025 (Midnight Pacific Time), with winners notified two to three weeks later.
Blind‑judged by Darren Ching, Co‑Owner of The Klompching Gallery and veteran curator, winners will not only take home cash awards but also gain exposure through the NYC4PA online gallery and printed catalog. Whether building a new portfolio highlight or seeking broader visibility, this contest offers a clear path to recognition in the photography community.
The Reflections 2025 by NYC4PA Prizes
A total of $4,000 in cash awards will be distributed as follows:
- Grand Prize: $1,100 plus feature on the NYC4PA homepage
- First Prizes (3): $400 each
- Second Prizes (3): $325 each
- Third Prizes (3): $250 each
All cash prize winners receive inclusion in the online gallery, printed catalog, and an award certificate
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Reflections 2025 by NYC4PA
Rather than preset divisions, this competition embraces an open theme: reflections. Photographers are free to interpret mirrored surfaces, water ripples, glass textures, and more—using any 2D technique to capture the unexpected beauty of reflective imagery.
Reflections 2025 by NYC4PA Dates and Entry Fees
- Submission Deadline: September 14, 2025 (Midnight Pacific Time)
- Notification: Winners announced two to three weeks after closing
Entry Fees:
- $35 for up to three images
- $10 per additional image
Unlimited entries allowed
How to Enter:
Register at the SmarterEntry portal, upload JPEG files (up to 8 MB each), and complete payment. Ensure file names are concise and unique to facilitate blind judging.
About the Jury
Darren Ching brings over 25 years of curatorial and editorial expertise to the judging panel. As Co‑Owner of The Klompching Gallery and former Creative Director at Photo District News, Ching has curated exhibitions, led jury panels, and taught contemporary photography at the School of Visual Arts.
Why Enter Reflections 2025 by NYC4PA?
Beyond cash rewards, participants gain professional exposure through gallery features and a printed catalog, enhancing their portfolio’s credibility. The blind‑judged format ensures impartiality, while the global open call encourages diverse perspectives. Discover more photography challenges online and build your visibility in the photography world.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Reflections 2025 by NYC4PA 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
All images must be original, 2D photographic works. Any image that has won an NYC4PA prize in the past two years is ineligible; non‑winning entries from those contests may be resubmitted. Entries must be free of signatures, watermarks, or identifying information.
Copyright and Image Usage
Entrants retain full copyright. By entering, photographers grant NYC4PA permission to display prize‑winning and honorable mention images online, in a printed catalog, and for promotional use. U.S. winners may receive 1099 forms for prizes over $600; international winners are responsible for any wire transfer fees.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
