June 2 – Early Bird Registration Opens ($65)
June 10 – Early Bird Price Ends, ($75)
Deadline July 1, 2025 (noon, Eastern Time)
*Please Note: Photolucida will not accept AI-generated imagery in the 2025 Critical Mass call for entries. Our goal is to continue fostering thoughtful dialogue around the evolving relationship between AI, creativity, and photo-based work—through ongoing conversations with curators, gallerists, collectors, thought leaders, and, most importantly, you—our vibrant community of passionate photographers.
Before you register, please read the Entry Guidelines to learn how to prepare your submission. Then, visit the Critical Mass registration page to submit your work!
Each submission is reviewed by our carefully selected Pre-Screening Panel—comprised of leading industry professionals—along with Photolucida’s Program Director and members of our Board. Following a three-week review period, 200 finalists are chosen to advance to the final round of jurying.
These Top 200 finalists will have their work viewed and voted on by more than 150 esteemed photography professionals. Jurors also have the option to leave comments offering feedback on individual projects. Finalists moving into this round will be required to pay an additional $200.
Award recipients will be announced in late September 2025.
Our Critical Mass jurors comprise a diverse, international group of photography professionals representing a broad spectrum of the industry. We take great care to include a range of voices—from gallery owners and agency art buyers to curators, publishers, editors, and media producers. In addition to reviewing work during the online voting process, jurors also receive ongoing access to a database of finalists’ projects for future reference and opportunities.
Note: Critical Mass jurors, Photolucida staff, Photolucida Board, and Photolucida Advisory Council are not allowed to submit their own work to Critical Mass.
Please log in at any time from June 2 to July 1, 2025, to complete the following steps:
To register, Create a Username and Password.
Have questions? Please read the Entry Guidelines carefully and check the FAQs. If you still don’t find an answer to your questions, please contact us!
*Photolucida reserves the right to reproduce all work submitted for Critical Mass in the materials distributed to Critical Mass jurors, participating photographers, and educators. Photographers may not pull work from Critical Mass once it has been submitted. Refunds are not extended. Photolucida reserves the right to reproduce submitted work in announcements, catalogs, websites, and publications that report on or promote our programming. If your portfolio falls in the TOP 50 category, participation in the TOP 50 exhibition is expected. The photographer is responsible for any necessary permissions required to use images of people and/or property. Photographers retain the copyright to their images. Submission of an entry to this program signifies acceptance of all conditions stated.
Thank you to all our sponsors and collaborators!
