The Shape of a Moment by Exposure Photo Gallery is built around a simple idea that can be surprisingly hard to nail: one image that holds a whole story. This call for entries invites photographers to catch those brief intersections of light, emotion, and time that vanish a second later, but still feel inevitable when you see them. The submission deadline is June 30, 2026, with winners scheduled to be announced on August 3, 2026 and an exhibition opening set for September 19, 2026.
On the prize side, the headline is a $500 cash award for the Gold Award winner, plus exhibition opportunities tied to Exposure Photo Gallery in Río Tercero, Argentina, and a temporary Exposure Los Angeles exhibition space in California. The call also includes a solo exhibition for the Gold Award winner in Argentina, publication in an official print-on-demand exhibition book, and promotion through the gallery’s institutional channels and mailing list. For photographers browsing current photography competitions and trying to separate quick scroll contests from ones with a concrete exhibition path, this The Shape of a Moment by Exposure Photo Gallery is clearly structured around in-person display and post-selection visibility.
Entries are submitted as JPG files (2000 pixels on the longest side), and the fee is tiered by how many images are uploaded, from $5 for a single photo up to $20 for 12 photos. There are no formal categories to puzzle over, which keeps the focus on whether the work captures the theme. That can make it relevant to photographers working in many styles, from candid street scenes to crafted fine art photography entries, as long as the image feels like a true “moment”.
Contents
Prizes
The Shape of a Moment by Exposure Photo Gallery combines a ranked award structure with exhibition presentation in two locations, plus publication and promotional support.
Grand Prize (1)
The Gold Award winner is granted a solo exhibition at Exposure Photo Gallery in Río Tercero, Argentina.
Gold Award (1)
$500 cash prize awarded to the Gold Award winner. The call also ties top awards to the group exhibition program (Argentina and Los Angeles) and includes official recognition through digital certification.
Silver Award (1)
Recognition for exceptional artistic quality, presented within the contest’s exhibition framework and with an official digital diploma.
Bronze Award (1)
Recognition for outstanding creativity and talent, presented within the contest’s exhibition framework and with an official digital diploma.
Honorable Mentions (10)
Printed works showcased in the physical exhibition as part of the group exhibition presentation.
Juror’s Selections
Digitally displayed works recognized for artistic merit.
Special Recognitions for photographers from the Province of Córdoba
Digitally displayed works, described as part of the gallery’s commitment to promoting local talent.
Online Gallery Special Recognitions
Works placed approximately in the top 2.5% of the competition are selected for meeting an exceptional level across curatorial criteria and are featured on the gallery’s official website.
Publication and promotion (for recognized work)
Publication in the official print-on-demand exhibition book, plus promotion through the gallery’s institutional channels and international mailing list (25,000+ subscribers).
Diplomas
All recognized artists receive an official digital diploma corresponding to their recognition level, and awards are presented as digital certificates.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
This contest does not list categories. The structure is theme-first: “The Shape of a Moment” is about images that give form to something fleeting, whether that “moment” is emotional, visual, or narrative.
Dates and Entry Fees
The call provides a clear timeline from deadline through exhibition opening, alongside a tiered fee schedule based on the number of images submitted.
| Submission deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Winners announcement | August 3, 2026 |
| Hi-res files due | August 10, 2026 |
| Exhibition opening | September 19, 2026 |
Entry fees:
- 1 photo: $5
- 3 photos: $10
- 6 photos: $15
- 12 photos: $20
How to Enter
Submissions are made through Exposure Photo Gallery’s online entry system for calls for entries. Entrants choose their image bundle (1, 3, 6, or 12 photos), upload JPG files sized to 2000 pixels on the longest side, and complete payment within the platform to validate the submission. The call notes that participants may submit as many photos as they wish, using the listed bundles.
About the Jury
The listed juror for this call is Gary Hershorn, a Canadian photographer and editor based in New York. The call describes a career spanning decades of global news and major sporting events, including long-term work at Reuters, and editorial roles with major digital outlets. The jury selection is presented as a single-judge process for this edition as published in the call.
Why Enter The Shape of a Moment by Exposure Photo Gallery?
The Shape of a Moment by Exposure Photo Gallery is designed around a theme that rewards clarity and timing, which can be appealing for photographers who want their strongest single frames judged on impact rather than on series-building. The prize structure links recognition to tangible outcomes: a $500 cash award for the Gold Award winner, a solo exhibition opportunity in Río Tercero, and group exhibition presentation connected to both Argentina and a temporary Los Angeles space. It also includes publication in an exhibition book and promotion through the gallery’s established channels, which can matter for photographers looking for documented, shareable outcomes beyond a certificate.
For anyone comparing some of the best photography competitions to enter, this call sits in the lane of exhibitions and print visibility, with an added cash component that will also appeal to photographers tracking cash prize photography contests and show-based opportunities like exhibition and publication prizes.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the The Shape of a Moment by Exposure Photo Gallery 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
Eligibility and exclusions: Participation is limited to individuals aged 18 or older. Employees/collaborators of the gallery (and direct family members) and jury members (and direct family members) are excluded.
Submission format: JPG files only, 2000 pixels on the longest side, maximum quality, and sRGB color space. Watermarks, borders, and visible signatures are not allowed.
Theme fit and evaluation: Images are evaluated by relevance to the theme, originality/creativity, visual impact, and technical quality. Jury decisions are final.
AI policy: Images must be primarily created from photography (digital or analog). AI may be used only for editing or enhancement of camera-made images. Fully AI-generated images are not accepted, and the gallery may request original files if authenticity is questioned.
Prior submissions: Photos previously submitted to other contests are allowed. Photos that received any award or mention in previous Exposure Photo Gallery contests are not allowed.
Time limit: Submitted photographs must have been captured within the last 10 years up to the contest’s closing date.
Files and delivery: Recognized photographers may be required to provide high-resolution files for printing and display by the deadline given in the call. If files are not provided in time, the work may be excluded from the exhibition. Printing and mounting costs are covered by the gallery for exhibited works.
Fees: Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including disqualification for rule non-compliance.
Copyright and Image Usage
Copyright: Photographers retain copyright, while granting permission for the gallery to use submitted images.
Permitted use: The gallery may use submitted images (winning and non-winning) in connection with the contest and promotional activities, including exhibitions, website and social media publication, catalogs/books, press releases, and promotional materials. The rules state that this use does not involve financial compensation to the participant.
Third-party licensing: The rules state images will not be sold or licensed to third parties.
Credits: Proper credit is provided when images are used.
Print handling: Printed winning photographs for exhibition may be kept for up to 36 months after the exhibition ends, during which they may be re-exhibited. After that period, unless otherwise agreed, the prints may be responsibly destroyed. For numbered series, the author can request destruction immediately after the exhibition.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
