Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about submitting to the 8th Chelsea International Photography Competition. If you don't find what you're looking for, email us at photo@nyartcompetitions.com or visit the competition guidelines.
Submission Details
Can I make changes after submission?
Please ensure your images fit the criteria mentioned above. If you continue to have a problem, email photo@nyartcompetitions.com.
Can I submit manipulated images?
Images can be manipulated, however, it is recommended that the manipulation is clearly outlined within the image description.
Can I submit my images via a CD, URL link, or in a book?
No, all images must be submitted online via the website.
Can images taken on a phone camera be entered into the competition?
Yes, you may submit images taken with a phone camera. However, these images can be no smaller than 72 dpi and a higher-resolution version may still be required.
Can my images be black-and-white?
Yes, the images may be black-and-white or in color.
Do the sponsors have a right to use my image? Will my images be used in any other way?
All participants must understand that any image submitted to The Chelsea International Photography Competition will be used by us for promotional purposes only. Due credit will be given to the photographers. Please read the complete terms for more details.
How do I find out the results of the competition?
Results will be emailed to all participating photographers and published online on December 1, 2026.
How important is the quality of the photograph I send?
Image quality is very important. This is the only exposure to your photographs the jurors will have, and a poor representation — such as a blurred image, or one affected by glare or dim lighting — will reduce your chances of being selected.
How many images can I upload?
- Amateur Photography category: at least 1 image.
- Professional Photography category: a minimum of 5 images.
How should I submit my photographs?
All entries must be submitted in digital format with the following specifications:
- Each image must be at least 72 dpi and 200 KB in size.
- The shortest side of the image must be at least 338 pixels.
- All images must be in JPG or JPEG format.
- Images should not exceed 5 MB or 7500 × 7500 pixels. If selected, a high-resolution version suitable for printing will be required.
How will I know that my entry has been successfully received?
You will receive an email confirmation after submitting your entry. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please contact photo@nyartcompetitions.com.
I am unable to upload my images — what should I do?
Please ensure your images meet the specifications above. If the problem continues, email the details to photo@nyartcompetitions.com.
I have images in original negatives — how can I enter these?
Scan the negatives into digital files and upload them online. Please note in the image description that the images were scanned from negatives.
Should I include a resume and artist statement in my submission?
No. The competition is judged solely on the photographs. You may include a series description in the Professional category, but it is not mandatory. A biography, resume, and artist statement are only required if you are selected for the collective group exhibition.
What should I do if someone submitted my images without my permission?
If you believe your work has been posted without your authorization, please provide us with:
- An electronic or physical signature of the copyright owner or their authorized agent.
- A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed.
- A description of where the allegedly infringed material is located on our website.
- Your address, telephone number, and email address.
- A statement that you have a good faith belief the disputed use is not authorized.
- A signed statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on their behalf.
Entry Fee
How much does it cost to enter the competition?
The entry fee is $45 for the Amateur Photography category (up to 5 images) and $55 for the Professional category (up to 5 images). Additional images are $5 each in both categories. Early bird pricing is available when the competition first opens — check the guidelines page for any current promotions.
Aside from the entry fee, will there be additional expenses?
- Amateur Photography: No additional expenses beyond the entry fee.
- Professional Photography: If selected for the collective exhibition, you are responsible for printing, framing, and all shipping costs to and from the gallery, as well as transit insurance.
Is the entry fee refundable?
No, entry fees are non-refundable under normal circumstances. A refund may be issued if a transaction error prevents you from completing your submission.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners, JCB, UnionPay, and PayPal.
Do photographers who have already received Agora Art Group services need to pay the entry fee?
Yes, all entrants must pay the entry fee.
Guidelines and Eligibility
Can I enter if I do not live in the United States?
Yes, the competition is open to photographers from across the globe.
Can I enter the same images into other competitions?
Yes. We have no exclusivity rights to your images.
Can photographs that are not for sale be entered?
No, all submitted photographs must be for sale.
Is collaborative work accepted?
Collaborative work is accepted as long as the collaboration does not exceed two photographers.
Is there a time frame in which the work must have been produced?
No, there is no required time frame.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, all entrants must be 18 years of age or older.
What about previously published work?
In the Professional Photography category, images commissioned or published for the first time may be entered after their publication date. You must be able to prove it is the work's first publication.
Shipping, Insurance & Framing
Am I responsible for shipping and customs?
Except for the Amateur category, all shipping and customs arrangements and costs are the responsibility of selected artists. We strongly recommend insuring your artwork while in transit.
If I am selected for the exhibition, do I need to frame or prepare my artwork?
- Amateur Category: Photographs will be printed and mounted on foam board by the gallery.
- Professional Category: All selected works must be framed, stretched, or mounted. If your work arrives unframed, you will be responsible for framing costs. Frames must be consistent in style across your submitted works. You are also responsible for ensuring the work is properly wired and ready to hang.
Is my work insured while exhibited?
Our exhibition spaces are responsible for insuring works on the premises.
Sales, Commissions & Copyrights
If my photograph sells, when can I expect payment?
You will be paid within 3 weeks after payment is received by the organization.
If my artwork does not sell, will it be returned to me?
Yes. Artwork remains your property and will be returned at the end of the exhibition. Except for the Amateur category, the artist is responsible for return shipping costs.
What is the commission structure on work sold?
The exhibition space uses a 60/40 split: you receive 60% of the sale price, and the gallery retains 40%.
Partners
How can I become a sponsor or partner of the competition?
Please contact us at carolina@nyartcompetitions.com.

