2026 Aperture Portfolio Prize
Type
Competition
Category
Digital, Other
Status
Open for Applications
Deadline
January 9, 2026
Application Fee
$75.00
Host
Aperture Foundation
Location
New York, United States
Celebrating its twentieth year, the Aperture Portfolio Prize is an annual international competition that spotlights new talent in contemporary photography. When choosing the first-prize winner and short list, our judges look for innovative bodies of work that have not been widely seen in major publications or exhibition venues. The Aperture Portfolio Prize is open exclusively to Aperture magazine print subscribers.
Early Bird Entry Fees:
Receive a discount on your subscription to Aperture magazine if you submit before November 25.
What Winners Receive:
The first-prize winner will be published in Aperture magazine and receives a $5,000 cash prize and a $1,000 gift card to shop for gear at mpb.com.
The four artists chosen for the shortlist each receive a $1,000 cash prize and an editorial feature on aperture.org.
All five finalists participate in a group exhibition organized by Aperture at AIPAD in New York in April 2026. Finalists receive exposure across Aperture’s email and social channels, which reach a global audience of prominent curators, critics, artists, and members of the photography community. The winner and shortlist may also have the opportunity to participate in the Aperture limited-edition print program.
Judging Criteria:
When examining entries, judges consider the following criteria:
Was the work created in the past five years?
Is a theme or topic carried throughout the portfolio in a fully resolved, consistent manner?
Are each of the images individually strong?
What technical and presentation choices has the photographer made, and are they appropriate for the work? For example, is there a clear reason for the work being in black and white versus a digitally enhanced palette?
Does the body of work take an innovative or unique approach to the subject matter?
Entries are welcome from anyone who makes photographs. Work will not be chosen based on the status of the photographer. It is the portfolio that counts.
Entry Requirements:
The sole entry requirement for entering the Portfolio Prize is to be an Aperture magazine print subscriber. Subscriptions must be current through Spring 2026, issue 262. To subscribe, please visit aperture.org/magprize.
About Aperture:
Aperture is a nonprofit publisher that leads conversations around photography worldwide. From our base in New York, Aperture connects global audiences and supports artists through our acclaimed quarterly magazine, books, exhibitions, digital platforms, public programs, limited-edition prints, and awards. Established in 1952 to advance "creative thinking, significantly expressed in words and photographs," Aperture champions photography's vital role in nurturing curiosity and encouraging a more just, tolerant society.
Early Bird Entry Fees:
Receive a discount on your subscription to Aperture magazine if you submit before November 25.
What Winners Receive:
The first-prize winner will be published in Aperture magazine and receives a $5,000 cash prize and a $1,000 gift card to shop for gear at mpb.com.
The four artists chosen for the shortlist each receive a $1,000 cash prize and an editorial feature on aperture.org.
All five finalists participate in a group exhibition organized by Aperture at AIPAD in New York in April 2026. Finalists receive exposure across Aperture’s email and social channels, which reach a global audience of prominent curators, critics, artists, and members of the photography community. The winner and shortlist may also have the opportunity to participate in the Aperture limited-edition print program.
Judging Criteria:
When examining entries, judges consider the following criteria:
Was the work created in the past five years?
Is a theme or topic carried throughout the portfolio in a fully resolved, consistent manner?
Are each of the images individually strong?
What technical and presentation choices has the photographer made, and are they appropriate for the work? For example, is there a clear reason for the work being in black and white versus a digitally enhanced palette?
Does the body of work take an innovative or unique approach to the subject matter?
Entries are welcome from anyone who makes photographs. Work will not be chosen based on the status of the photographer. It is the portfolio that counts.
Entry Requirements:
The sole entry requirement for entering the Portfolio Prize is to be an Aperture magazine print subscriber. Subscriptions must be current through Spring 2026, issue 262. To subscribe, please visit aperture.org/magprize.
About Aperture:
Aperture is a nonprofit publisher that leads conversations around photography worldwide. From our base in New York, Aperture connects global audiences and supports artists through our acclaimed quarterly magazine, books, exhibitions, digital platforms, public programs, limited-edition prints, and awards. Established in 1952 to advance "creative thinking, significantly expressed in words and photographs," Aperture champions photography's vital role in nurturing curiosity and encouraging a more just, tolerant society.