Urban, Suburban, Rural by NYC4PA

Where do you find your inspiration: the bustling city, the quiet suburbs, or the expansive countryside? The Urban, Suburban, Rural 2026 by NYC4PA invites you to share your unique vision of these distinct environments. This international call for entry is a search for compelling images that capture the essence of where we live, work, and play. Judged by the renowned Paula Tognarelli and with a prize pool of $4,000, this is a real opportunity for global recognition. The deadline for submissions is January 4, 2026.

This competition, hosted by the New York Center for Photographic Arts, is structured around three powerful themes, asking photographers to explore the visual characteristics that define each locale. From the crowded streets and skyscraper silhouettes of the urban landscape to the quiet geometry of suburban life and the rustic impressions of the countryside, the call is open to a vast range of interpretations. We are always on the lookout for the best photography competitions to enter, and this one stands out for its prestigious juror, significant cash prizes, and its clear, evocative theme.

The prizes are substantial, with a $1,100 Grand Prize and ten cash awards in total. Winning and selected photographers will be featured in a curated online exhibition and a Prize Winners catalog, offering a lasting record of their achievement. This is more than just a competition; it’s a chance to have your work seen by a leading figure in the photography world and to be recognized by a New York-based arts organization with a global reach.

Urban, Suburban, Rural by NYC4PA 2026 Prizes

The prize structure offers a generous $4,000 in cash awards, distributed among ten winning photographers.

• Grand Prize: One photographer will be awarded the $1,100 Grand Prize. Their winning image will also be featured on the homepage of the NYC4PA website.
• First Prize: Three photographers (one from each theme: Urban, Suburban, and Rural) will each receive a $400 cash prize.
• Second Prize: Three photographers (one from each theme) will each receive a $325 cash prize.
• Third Prize: Three photographers (one from each theme) will each receive a $250 cash prize.
• Exhibition and Publication: In addition to the cash awards, there will be 20 Juror Selections and 20 Honorable Mentions. All prizewinners, Juror Selections, and Honorable Mentions will be featured in the online gallery and in the printed Prize Winners catalog, and will receive an award certificate. This is a fantastic publication prize.

The Categories of the Urban, Suburban, Rural by NYC4PA 2026

While not traditional categories, the competition is clearly structured around three distinct themes, inviting photographers to focus on a specific type of environment.

• Urban Landscapes: This theme calls for images that capture the essence of city life. Think crowded streets, public transport, skyscraper silhouettes, and the unique energy of metropolitan areas. This is a perfect category for those who excel in street photography contests and architecture photography awards.
• Suburban Scenes: This theme focuses on the visual characteristics of suburban life. The organizers suggest images like family barbecues, the geometry of well-groomed front yards, or the ubiquitous strip mall.
• Rural Impressions: This theme is for images that convey the feeling of the countryside. This can include farmhouses, open fields, animals, rustic fences, or even rusted cars on front lawns. This is an ideal space for photographers who enjoy landscape photo competitions.

Urban, Suburban, Rural by NYC4PA 2026 Dates and Entry Fees

Here are the key dates and the entry fee structure for this international competition.

The submission deadline is January 4, 2026.

Entry fees:

• $35 for the first three images.
• Additional images for $10 each, with no limit to the total number of entries.

How to Enter:

To enter the competition, you must use the SmarterEntry online platform. The process requires you to create an account, upload your images, and pay the entry fee through their secure portal. Be sure not to include any watermarks or signatures on your images, as the judging is blind.

About the Jury

The juror for this competition is Paula Tognarelli, a highly respected and influential figure in the photography world. Tognarelli recently retired as the Executive Director of the Griffin Museum of Photography, where she curated approximately 54 exhibitions per year and jumpstarted the careers of hundreds of photographers. She is now a core member of FIRESTARTERS, an organization dedicated to helping artists advance their careers. Her extensive experience as a curator, juror, and collector makes her selection a significant honor.

Why Enter Urban, Suburban, Rural by NYC4PA 2026?

This is a rare opportunity to have your work judged by a true industry icon. The prestige of being selected by Paula Tognarelli is a major career highlight in itself, and the $4,000 cash prize pool provides substantial financial reward. The thematic structure offers a clear and inspiring creative prompt, while the online exhibition and catalog provide a lasting platform for your work. If you are looking for more photography contests and challenges with real career impact, this is one you should not miss.

Rules and Copyright

This section about the rules and image rights of the Urban, Suburban, Rural by NYC4PA 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.

Rules

The competition is open worldwide to both amateur and professional photographers aged 18 or older. All photographic mediums, styles, and schools of thought are welcome, including experimental and mixed techniques. Only 2-D work is eligible. Images that have won an NYC4PA prize within the last two years are not eligible for re-entry. The jurying process is blind, so no signatures or watermarks should be present on the images.

Copyright and Image Usage

The photographer retains all rights to their images at all times. By submitting, you grant NYC4PA the right to use your image(s) for promotion and advertisement of the center, as well as for inclusion in the online gallery and catalog if your image is selected as a winner or for an honorable mention.

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