About

The Women Street Photographers Annual Exhibition is the centerpiece of the WSP Festival in New York City (April 10–12, 2026), showcasing the most compelling single images of street photography and street portraiture from around the world. Open to women and non-binary photographers, the call celebrates diverse voices and expansive approaches to photographing life in public spaces.

Seventy finalists will be exhibited at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 in New York City, April 10–20, 2026. Winners receive international exposure, publication across WSP’s platforms reaching over 200,000 followers, and a dedicated profile on the Women Street Photographers website. In addition, Leica Camera USA will award two US$1,000 cash grants. Printing and framing for the exhibition are fully covered.

Awards

• Exhibition: 70 photographers exhibited at Artspace PS109 during the WSP Festival,  April 10--20, 2026 

• Grants: Two (2) cash grants of US$1,000 each, sponsored by Leica Camera USA 

• Publication: Features across WSP's social platforms (200,000+ followers) 

• Website: Dedicated profile page on womenstreetphotographers.com 

• Production: All printing and framing costs covered by WSP

Submission Fee

• $15 per photo 

Bonus entries: 

• Submit 10+ photos → 1 free extra

• Submit 15+ photos → 2 free extra 

• Submit 20+ photos → 3 free extra 

• Maximum: 25 photos (including free entries) 

• If you wish to submit more than 25 photos, you must start a new submission entry with  continuous file numbering. 

• Fees are non-refundable and directly support Women Street Photographers

Fee Waivers 

To promote and empower photographers who cannot afford the entry fee (New York City residents excluded), or if you are unable to pay by credit card because of restrictions in countries affected by U.S. embargo, you may request up to two free entries. Please email hello@womenstreetphotographers.com to receive a fee waiver form and briefly explain your reason.

Judging Criteria

• Blind review: Each entry will be assigned a unique number; judges will not see names or  personal details. 

• Single image focus: Judging is based on the strength of individual photographs only  (series/projects not accepted). 

• Evaluation: Originality, composition, storytelling, and the ability to capture the spirit of  life in public spaces.

About Women Street Photographers

Founded in 2017 by photographer Gulnara Lyabib Samoilova, Women Street Photographers is a  global community dedicated to supporting and amplifying the work of women photographers,  both professional and amateur alike. It embraces artists of all races, ethnicities, creeds,  generations, abilities, and gender identities, both online and in person. 

With an inclusive and non-traditional approach, WSP expands the boundaries of street  photography by showcasing diverse perspectives from around the world. Its platforms include  the official website www.womenstreetphotographers.com, social platforms (Instagram,  Facebook, Threads, Irys), the annual festival in New York City, traveling exhibitions, an Artist  Residency, and the best-selling book Women Street Photographers (Prestel, 2021).