Shoot for the Stars—Enter Aperture's Portfolio Prize

Entering photo competitions can be a frustrating and sometimes demeaning experience. I have scars to prove it. Judges' tastes vary widely. One of your images may be heralded by one and slammed by another. There is one contest, however, that is worth entering every year–Aperture's Portfolio Prize. Because, if you win, the acclaim and backing of Aperture can catapault your career, and if you lose, no sweat, it's a long shot anyway.

For those of you who have never heard of Aperture, it is an international arts organization dedicated to promoting fine photography. Founded in 1952 by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Barbara Morgan, Minor White, Beaumont Newhall, and Nancy Newhall, its first accomplishment was Aperture magazine. In the fifty years since, they have published books, limited edition prints, hosted exhibitions and lectures, and offered one-of-a-kind educational opportunities for photographers. Being chosen for any of their offerings is an invaluable seal of approval.

The first Portfolio Prize was in 2007. The winner, Jessamyn Lovell, presented a memorable, sensitive collection of images of her own family. The everyday scenes of her paralyzed mom, her brother with his severe burn scars, her two sister and herself are revealing, tender and often surprising. Her mother, in one shot, sits in her wheelchair with a shotgun in her hand and a dare on her face.

What They're Looking For
• Photography that is different and that has not been published or exhibited.
• A collection of 15 images.

How to Enter

• You have to subscribe to Aperture to enter—a very worthwhile publication.
• Set up an account at café (www.callforentry.org).
• Submit your images, resume, artist's statement and a $25 entry fee.
• You can enter two different portfolios, but you have to pay a fee for each.
• Due date is Friday, July 11, 2008. Winners will be contacted by November 1, 2008.

Prize
• $2,500 first prize
• Winner and runners-up are featured on Aperture's website for a year