The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture

The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture is a $20,000 prize awarded annually to a photographer whose work demonstrates a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture. The jury will select a Top Ten, from which the winner and three finalists will be chosen. The three finalists receive a $500 stipend each.

In addition to the $20,000 cash prize, the 2026 Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture will include a significant new benefit for artists - a professionally produced publication showcasing the work of the prize recipient, three finalists, and six additional photographers recognized in the Top Ten.

The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture is a $20,000 prize awarded annually to a photographer whose work demonstrates a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture. The jury will select a Top Ten, from which the winner and three finalists will be chosen. The three finalists receive a $500 stipend each.

In addition to cash awards for the Prize recipient and Finalists, all photographers selected for the Top Ten in the 2026 Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture will be featured in a professionally produced publication celebrating the work of the Prize recipient, three Finalists, and six additional photographers recognized in the Top Ten.

This softcover, perfect-bound publication will serve as a lasting record of the year's most compelling approaches to photographic portraiture. It will feature the Prize recipient, selected works by the Finalists and Top Ten photographers, and contextual essays on Arnold Newman's legacy, the history of the Prize, and Maine Media's role as its steward.

Each of the ten selected photographers will receive complimentary copies of the publication, with the Prize recipient receiving an expanded allotment to support the promotion of their work. In addition, a limited hardcover edition will be distributed to photography festivals, museum and university libraries, collectors, and partner institutions, extending the reach of the selected artists through a publication of a quality and scale that is often beyond the means of individual photographers. The Prize recipient will also receive complimentary copies of the hardcover edition.

In a time when publications remain one of the most powerful ways to elevate an artist’s voice and project, this new initiative offers both recognition and real-world impact.

The Prize is generously funded by the Arnold & Augusta Newman Foundation and proudly administered by Maine Media. 

The 2026 Jurors 

Jurying will begin once the call for entries has closed. The jurors for the 2026 Arnold Newman are Alexa Becker, Stephen Frailey, and Elizabeth Krist. For more information about the jurors, visit the Arnold Newman Prize webpage. 

All submissions will be reviewed by the jurors. All decisions made by the jurors are final. 

How to Enter 

All submissions to the Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture must be submitted through the contest platform Café Entry. No mail-in submissions will be accepted. Please read all terms and conditions before entering. Learn more about the prize, past winners and mission.  

What to Submit 

1. The core of your submission is a cohesive selection of up to 12 images that demonstrate a strong and consistent vision within the genre of photographic portraiture. The images should collectively reflect your unique approach and sensibility as a portrait photographer. (JPEGs at 300ppi – recommended image dimension 1200 pixels on the long edge. Files may not exceed 5MB)
2. Artist Statement about the work you are submitting (500-word limit)
3. A brief bio telling us who you are as an artist
4. CV
5. A brief statement about how winning the Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture would impact and further your career goals

Fee 

There is a $65 fee per submission. All fees are paid through Café Entry and are non-refundable. 

Application Fee Waiver 

Through a partnership with The Authority Collective, Black Women Photographers, Diversify Photo, Foto Féminas, Indigenous Photograph, Women Photograph, and Indigo Arts Alliance, the Arnold Newman Prize will be making a select number of application fee waivers available to photographers seeking to apply to the 2026 Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture. 

Photographers who cannot afford the submission fee should request a fee waiver from one of the following organizations before Friday, September 11, 2026). Please note: You must fit the demographic makeup of the individual organizations from whom you are requesting the waiver. 

Email contest@mainemedia.edu to inquire about a $65 application fee waiver. 

Prize 

The jurors will select a Top Ten from all submissions. From the Top Ten, the jurors will select one (1) winner and three (3) finalists for the 2026 Arnold Newman Prize. All photographers in the Top Ten will be notified by the end of October 2026. 

The winner will receive $20,000. This prize is unrestricted and may be used however the winning artist wishes. Each of the three finalists will receive a $500 stipend. 

In addition to cash awards for the Prize recipient and Finalists, all photographers selected for the Top Ten in the 2026 Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture will be featured in a professionally produced publication celebrating the work of the Prize recipient, three Finalists, and six additional photographers recognized in the Top Ten.

This softcover, perfect-bound publication will serve as a lasting record of the year's most compelling approaches to photographic portraiture. It will feature the Prize recipient, selected works by the Finalists and Top Ten photographers, and contextual essays on Arnold Newman's legacy, the history of the Prize, and Maine Media's role as its steward.

Each of the ten selected photographers will receive complimentary copies of the publication, with the Prize recipient receiving an expanded allotment to support the promotion of their work. In addition, a limited hardcover edition will be distributed to photography festivals, museum and university libraries, collectors, and partner institutions, extending the reach of the selected artists through a publication of a quality and scale that is often beyond the means of individual photographers. The Prize recipient will also receive complimentary copies of the hardcover edition.
In a time when publications remain one of the most powerful ways to elevate an artist’s voice and project, this new initiative offers both recognition and real-world impact.
 

FAQ 

Have a question? Please read the answers to commonly asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please email us at contest@mainemedia.edu 

Q: What are the image specifications? 

A: Images should be uploaded as JPEGs at 300ppi – recommended image dimension 1200 pixels on the long edge. Files may not exceed 5MB. 

Q: What should I name my image files? 

A: Please title your images with last name_first initial_title_date. 

Q: How many submissions can I enter? 

A: You can enter as many submissions as you like. Each submission of 12 images and accompanying documents is $65. 

Q: When will I be notified? 

A: All entrants will be notified by the end of October 2026 about their status in the prize. Winners will be publicly announced by the end of October. 

Q: Will the jurors review all submissions? 

A: Yes, the jurors will review all submissions, there is no pre-jury screening of the submissions. 

Q: Is the prize money taxed? 

A: The $20,000 prize is a form of taxable income. We encourage the winning artist to speak with a tax professional to identify how the prize money will impact their yearly taxes. 

Terms and Conditions 

Deadlines & Notification 

The call for entries will be open from August 19, 2026, and close at 11:59pm on September 23, 2026, EST. All entries must be received during the call for entries time period to be eligible. All entrants will be notified of their status by the end of October 2026. 

NOTE: September 23, 2026 is the FINAL deadline, there will be no extensions. 

Jurying 

Jurying will begin once the call for entries has closed. All submissions will be reviewed by the jurors. All decisions made by the jurors are final.

Use Rights

Entrants retain all rights to their work. Entrants must own and have exclusive copyright to all images they submit. By submitting to Maine Media, entrants grant the use of images for the purpose of marketing by Maine Media and for display on the Maine Media and Arnold Newman Archive websites. As conditions of this permission, Maine Media shall attribute all photographs to the maker. 

Privacy

We respect your privacy. Maine Media will not sell, rent or exchange your e-mail address. 

Image Guidelines 

• Images may originate in any format, including but not limited to digital files, digital prints, color transparencies, color prints, or black and white prints — so long as they are submitted electronically.
• Previously published material for which non-exclusive rights were granted may be entered as long as you still maintain the right to grant Maine Media a license.
• For a photograph in which a person is recognizable, you must be able to provide a model release from the subject or, in the case of a minor, the subject’s parent or guardian and provide it to Maine Media upon request. You do not need to submit it at the time of entry.
• Each submitted photograph, in its entirety, must be a single work of original material made by the applicant. By entering the competition, the entrant acknowledges that the submitted photographs are original work created solely by the applicant; that the photographs do not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity, or intellectual property rights of any person or entity; and that no other party has any right, title, claim or interest in the photographs. Photographs that violate or infringe upon another person’s copyright are not eligible.
• The photographs entered must not, in the sole discretion of Maine Media, contain obscene, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable content. Entries deemed inappropriate will be disqualified.

All photographers in the Top Ten, including the Prize recipient, Finalists, and Honorable Mentions will be required to submit hi-res files and final text for the publication by late October.

All photographers of any level, 18 years and older, are eligible. Individuals affiliated with Maine Media, including current full-time or part-time year-round employees, board members, and their immediate families (children, siblings, and spouses) are not eligible to enter. Maine Media shall determine winner eligibility in its sole and absolute discretion. This contest is not available in all countries, states, or provinces where rules translation, registration, or bonding is required and is void where prohibited.