National Competition - 2026

Soho Photo Gallery is pleased to announce its 31st National Competition. The gallery, now located in Manhattan’s Chelsea district, is New York City’s longest running co-operative photography gallery. All photo-based works are eligible, with no limitation as to subject matter or technique. No A.I. generated work is acceptable (AI Policy). All selected photographs will be exhibited in the gallery from June 24 to July 12, 2026, and on the SPG website.

Juror

Joanna Lehan is a seasoned photography curator, currently serving as Manager of Curatorial Projects at the Museum of the City of New York. She has curated exhibitions at the International Center of Photography, edited many photographic monographs, and written about photography for publications such as Photograph, Time, and Aperture.

Prizes

The juror will choose approximately 60 photographs for the exhibition, due to our spacious new W23rd Street gallery. Cash prizes for first ($400) and second ($200) place winners will be awarded. Third place and up to four honorable mentions will receive prizes from our sponsor, Archival Methods. The photographers chosen, as well as the award winners, will be notified by email no later than June 7, 2026.

Submission

Upload jpeg digital images at Café. Files must be no larger than 1220 pixels (longest dimension) at 72 dpi. The competition is open to all photographers aged 18 years old or older, who are residents of the United States, excluding members of Soho Photo Gallery. Please note: If you have been accepted into previous National Competitions, we expect you to submit a different photograph. No previously exhibited photographs will be allowed.

Fees

1-5 images $55, 6 images or more at $5 each up to 12.

Winning Photographs

Photographs must be suitably prepared for gallery presentation or will not be accepted. Maximum  width (including frame) of exhibited work should not exceed 48 inches. Packing and delivery instructions will be emailed to participants. Printing, mounting, and framing of each piece must be gallery quality. All accepted works must be wired, or otherwise ready for hanging. Soho Photo Gallery reserves the right to publish the winning photographs on our website and social media. Copyright retained by the photographer.

Commission and Insurance

The Gallery’s commission for the sale of prints is 30%.

Although we will make reasonable efforts to protect your work while it is in our possession, we are not legally responsible for it then or during shipment to/from us. Consider insuring your work for the time it is in the gallery. Any work remaining with us 30 days after the show shall become property of the gallery.

About Soho Photo Gallery

The Gallery was established in 1971 by a group of New York Times photojournalists and avant-garde photographers. Membership is determined on the basis of portfolio review. For more information see the membership section of our website. 

Questions

Use the form below to contact Joel Morgovsky, Chairman, SPG 2026 National Competition.

Important Dates

Deadline for submission: May 15, 2026
Notification: No later than June 7, 2026
Accepted Work Due at the Gallery: June 18, 2026
Exhibition: June 24 – July 12, 2026
Opening Reception: June 25, 2026
Pick Up Work: Monday, July 14, 2026