The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture
Submit 8–12 portrait photographs demonstrating a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture, along with an artist statement, bio, CV, and career impact statement.
Does this fit your work? 5 questions score every call to your medium, location and budget. Free.
Get matched →- Deadline
- 34 days left
- Entry fee
- $65
- Award
- $20,000
- Location
- Rockport, Maine
- Applicants notified
- Oct 31, 2026
About
Overview
The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture is an annual $20,000 prize awarded to a photographer whose work demonstrates a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture. The prize is generously funded by the Arnold & Augusta Newman Foundation and administered by Maine Media.
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: September 23, 2026
- Top Ten and finalists notified: by end of October 2026
Eligibility
Open to international photographers. All submissions reviewed by the jurors; all decisions are final.
What to Submit
- 8–12 cohesive portrait images (JPEG at 300ppi, recommended 1200 pixels on long edge, max 5MB each)
- Artist statement (500-word limit)
- Brief artist bio
- CV
- Brief statement on how winning would impact your career goals
Fees & Waivers
$65 per submission (non-refundable). Application fee waivers available through partnerships with The Authority Collective, Black Women Photographers, Diversify Photo, Foto Féminas, Indigenous Photograph, Women Photograph, and Indigo Arts Alliance. Request waivers by Friday, September 11, 2026 from qualifying organizations.
Awards
- Winner: $20,000 (unrestricted)
- Three finalists: $500 stipend each
- Top Ten: featured in professionally produced hardcover and softcover publications; complimentary copies provided
How to Enter
All submissions must be made through Café Entry. No mail-in submissions accepted. Read all terms and conditions before entering.
Jurors
The 2026 jurors are Alexa Becker, Stephen Frailey, and Elizabeth Krist.
- Award
- $20,000 prize for winner; $500 stipend each for three finalists; publication featuring Top Ten photographers
- Entry fee
- $65 per submission (fee waivers available through partner organizations)
- Entries per artist
- Up to 20
- Theme
- The prize recognizes photographers whose work demonstrates a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture.
- Eligibility
- International eligibility; open to photographers whose work demonstrates a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture.
- Audience
- International; open to photographers
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.