Announcing Critical Mass 2025 Awards

Critical Mass is a one-of-a-kind fine art photography program that offers meaningful opportunities to a broad range of artists—not just the Top 50. All 200 finalists are eligible for solo show awards and other career-advancing opportunities. Unlike other competitions, Photolucida permanently archives finalist projects on its website, creating a rich resource that curators, students, gallerists, and writers regularly explore for inspiration, research, and exhibitions. Jurors can comment on submissions and even download PDFs of projects they want to revisit. As a nonprofit, Photolucida is deeply committed to supporting emerging photographers—it’s at the core of our mission.

Critical Mass 2025 Awards

  • Michael Reichmann Anniversary Prize: One finalist will receive a $2,500 cash award.
  • Rising Star Award: A $500 cash prize will be awarded to one finalist.
  • Maine Media Scholarship: One finalist will receive a $1,600 scholarship applicable to either an online or in-person workshop. (Must be used by the end of the year)

Group Exhibition:

  • A group exhibition featuring the Critical Mass Top 50 will be held in November 2025 in Los Angeles.

Solo Exhibition Opportunities:

Online Exhibitions:

Publications and Features:

  • Fraction Magazine: Selected finalists will be featured in the publication.
  • Frames Magazine: One CM25 finalist will be interviewed and featured.
  • Projections Webinar: Three Top 50 finalists will be invited to present their portfolios in this live webinar series.

Residency Opportunity:

  • SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre (Ottawa, Canada): One finalist will be selected for a six-month artist residency. All Top 200 finalists are eligible to apply.

More Awards Coming Soon!