Reach out to us at apertureprize@aperture.org with any questions.
By submitting your work to the Aperture Portfolio Prize, you are in agreement of the terms and conditions. Click here to read the terms and conditions.
What is required to enter the Portfolio Prize?
The only requirement for entering the Portfolio Prize is to be an Aperture magazine print subscriber. Subscriptions must be current through Aperture 258, Spring 2025. To subscribe, please visit aperture.org/magprize.
Once you’ve subscribed, you will receive a receipt containing your unique magazine account number that will be required to submit your entry.
Where can I find my magazine account number?
Please note: Customer support is closed on weekends.
If you recently subscribed or renewed your subscription online, please check your inbox for a receipt containing your unique magazine account number. Or you can request it by sending an email with your name and address to custsvc_aperture@fulcoinc.com.
For current subscribers, your account number and expiration date appear above your name on the address card that is sent along with every issue. You can also request them by sending an email with your name and address to custsvc_aperture@fulcoinc.com.
How do I subscribe to Aperture magazine?
Please visit aperture.org/magprize to purchase a print subscription for $75 for one year (Canada, $95; international, $110) or $124 for two years (Canada, $164; international, $194). You will then receive a receipt containing your unique magazine account number, which is required to enter the Portfolio Prize.
Where can I sign up for a Picter account?
To sign up, please visit Picter.com
I have an Aperture membership. Does my membership qualify me for entry into the Portfolio Prize?
No. You must be a print subscriber to Aperture magazine instead. Membership in Aperture is distinct from an Aperture magazine subscription and comes with its own separate benefits.
I receive a complimentary subscription to Aperture magazine through my Aperture membership. Am I still eligible to submit to the Portfolio Prize?
Yes. If you are a member of Aperture at the Friend level or above and you receive a complimentary subscription that’s good through the Spring 2025 issue, you can use your magazine account number to enter.
To obtain your magazine account number and expiration date, please contact custsvc_aperture@fulcoinc.com.
I used to be a subscriber, but my subscription lapsed. Can I still enter?
Sorry, no. The prize is open only to current print subscribers. Visit aperture.org/magprize to renew your subscription.
If I subscribe to the online Aperture Archive or Zinio digital edition, can I still enter?
Sorry, no. The prize is open only to current print subscribers. Visit aperture.org/magprize to subscribe.
What are the specs for uploading images?
Images must be at least 3,000 pixels on the longest side and saved as a JPEG file. Other file types such as TIFF, PNG, and PSD are not permissible. If you continue to have issues uploading your images or completing your submission, visit the Picter help center or email the Picter support team at support@picter.com.
Can I submit fewer than the required minimum of ten images? How about more than the maximum of fifteen?
No, you will need to submit between a minimum of ten images and a maximum of fifteen. The jurors are expecting to see a number of images within this range; therefore, we will not accept submissions that contain fewer than ten images or more than fifteen.
I would like to submit work that has already been published. Will that affect my chances of winning the Portfolio Prize and being published in Aperture magazine?
When choosing the first-prize winner and shortlist, our judges will look for innovative bodies of work that have not been widely seen in major publications or exhibition venues.
If my work has been shortlisted or awarded in previous Aperture calls for entry or has been featured in Aperture magazine, can I still submit?
If your work has been shortlisted or awarded by Aperture in one of our calls for entry, published in Aperture magazine, or featured on Aperture.org within the past three years, you will not be eligible for this prize.
I would prefer to skip the competition and submit my work directly to an Aperture editor. Is this possible?
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of requests, it is not possible for Aperture’s editors to review material outside of the Aperture Portfolio Prize competition. Unsolicited work will not be reviewed or returned.
Can I submit more than one portfolio?
No, you may only submit one portfolio.
Can I edit my portfolio once it has already been submitted?
Yes, you can edit your submission up until the deadline. To do so, log in to your Picter account and click the Submission tab at the top of the screen. Under Completed you should see your submission. Click edit at the top of the page to edit your submission.
If I live outside the United States, am I still eligible for entry?
Yes, applicants living anywhere in the world are eligible for entry to the Aperture Portfolio Prize. The only requirement is that you are an Aperture magazine print subscriber.
I live outside the United States and the price of a print subscription is more expensive!
Yes, the price of an Aperture magazine print subscription is more expensive for international subscribers because of international shipping costs. If you are an international applicant and the price of a subscription is hindering you from submitting your work, please reach out to apertureprize@aperture.org.
I create work as part of a team or collective. Can we enter work under our collective name?
Yes, providing at least one member of the team or collective is an Aperture magazine print subscriber.
I am an artist who uses AI to create my work. Can I submit images that are AI generated?
Yes, you may submit AI-generated images, but they must be labeled as such.
I am an artist who works with video and installation. Can I submit video stills and/or installation views of three-dimensional lens-based works?
Yes, your portfolio sent for submission will be reviewed as photography, even if your practice uses other media or methods of presentation.
What should I expect if my work is shortlisted or awarded the first prize?
Once your work has been shortlisted or awarded the first prize, Aperture will contact you.
The first-prize winner will be published in Aperture magazine and will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a $1,000 gift card to shop for gear at MPB.com, and a presentation organized by Aperture in New York City. The four shortlisted artists will each receive a $1,000 cash prize and an editorial feature on Aperture.org. All five finalists will receive exposure across Aperture’s email campaigns and social media channels, which reach a global audience of prominent curators, critics, artists, and members of the photography community.
What if I run out of time?
No exceptions will be made for late submissions. Please allow for ample time to complete your entry.
I still need help. Who can I contact?
Send an email to apertureprize@aperture.org.
