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.
About the Aperture Portfolio Prize
The purpose of the Aperture Portfolio Prize is to identify trends in contemporary photography and highlight artists whose work deserves greater recognition. When choosing the first prize winner and up to four runners up, Aperture’s editorial staff look for innovative bodies of work that haven’t been widely seen in major publications or exhibition venues.
What Winners Receive
First Prize: The first prize winner will be published in Aperture magazine and will receive a $3,000 cash prize, a $1,000 gift card to shop for gear at mpb.com, and an exhibition organized by Aperture in New York City.
Shortlist: The four artists chosen for the shortlist will receive their own feature on aperture.org and be highlighted on Aperture's digital channels across email, social, and web.
All Finalists: The winner, shortlist, and twenty additional finalists will all receive a virtual portfolio review session with an Aperture editor. All twenty-five finalists will be announced by Aperture, reaching subscribers across the globe, including curators, critics, and members of the photography community.
Judging Criteria
When examining entries, Aperture's editors and staff will consider the following criteria:
- Is the work new, i.e., 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. This program is inclusive, and work will not be chosen on the basis of 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 2024, issue #254. To subscribe, please visit aperture.org/magprize.
Juror information
The Aperture Portfolio Prize jury comprises Aperture's experienced editors and staff. This year, the jury includes Lesley A. Martin, editor at large; Michael Famighetti, editor in chief of Aperture magazine; Denise Wolff, senior editor of books; Brendan Embser, senior editor of Aperture magazine; Annette Booth, director of exhibitions management; Noa Lin, editorial assistant of the book program; Cassidy Paul, digital editor; and Iesha Coppin-Forde, editorial assistant of the book program.
