CALL FOR ENTRIES PHOTO LAUREATE 2026

In 2026, SPMOP will select its fourth Photo Laureate, who will have the honor of documenting and representing Tampa Bay for one year. The work created by the new Photo Laureate will culminate in a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts during SPMOP 2027.

Submissions Open: December 15, 2025
Submission Deadline: March 17, 2026 — 11:59 PM EST — CLOSED

To apply, please use the application form below. After the deadline, a jury will review all entries and create a shortlist of five nominees. These nominees will be exhibited during the Saint Petersburg Month of Photography in May 2026 at the Morean Arts Center. At the exhibition opening, one winner will be announced and named Photo Laureate 2026.

A Photo Laureate is tasked with creating a documentary record of life in Tampa Bay, its people, events, and everyday moments, over the course of one year. The ideal candidate is:

• Engaging and curious
• Interested in and inclusive of all Tampa Bay communities
• Able to convey strong storytelling through photography

The selection committee evaluates applicants based on technical quality, creativity, originality, storytelling, and relevance.

Photographers of all genres are encouraged to apply, including conceptual, fine art, portrait, street, and nature photography. We are seeking an artist with a unique vision and style to capture the stories of Saint Petersburg and the wider Tampa Bay region.

• Applicant must be a resident of the wider Tampa Bay area
  (See Terms & Conditions for full details)
• Portfolios can only be submitted digitally via the website form
  (starting December 15, 2025)
• Submit a portfolio of 4–10 photos (either a series or individual images)
• Portfolios accepted until March 17, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
  (Late submissions will be rejected)
• Images may be in color or black & white
• Portfolio must include: A short bio and an artist statement/description of the work (maximum 400 words, in English)
• Files must be submitted as low-resolution PDFs
• After selection, the five nominees will be asked to provide high-resolution images with the following specifications:

              - 300 dpi

              - Longest side: 25 cm

(Nominees will be contacted before March 31, 2026)