CRITICAL MASS 2023

Critical Mass

What Is Critical Mass?

Critical Mass is an annual online program that makes connections within the photography community. Photographers at any level, from anywhere in the world, submit a portfolio of 10 images. Through a pre-screening process, the field is narrowed to a group of 200 finalists who go on to have their work viewed and voted on by over 150 esteemed international photography professionals (check out the "success stories" page for connections made through Critical Mass). From the Finalist group, the TOP 50 are named and a series of awards are given.

Critical Mass gets photographers’ work in front of top museum curators, gallerists, publishers, editors, educators, artists, and media producers. That’s a lot of eyes. In Critical Mass, photographers (from anywhere) submit a 10-image portfolio. The 200 finalists who proceed past the first, pre-screening round then have their work reviewed and voted on by the full panel of 150+ jurors. It’s an unprecedented way to get your work in front of the right people!

Critical Mass works.

The professionals chosen for the Critical Mass jury are continually looking for new work. Every year, we hear a flurry of success stories. Curators report back with lists of photographers they’ve given exhibitions to. Photographers email us about photo editors who have highlighted their work in the media. Museum professionals tell us about artists they’ve added to their collections. Career-building connections happen in Critical Mass.

Get your work on the radar!

Critical Mass Registration opens in June each year.

Questions? criticalmass@photolucida.org

Entry Details

How to participate in Critical Mass

FAQ

Common questions about Critical Mass

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