Entering photo competitions can be a great way to get your work out there and possibly get shown in a group exhibition. However, there are many galleries that are looking for submissions of new work year round. ONWARD Compe has been hard at work compiling a list of approachable galleries that might be more open to accepting work from emerging photographers.
Photo arts centers are an excellent place to start submitting your work. Many of them have an open deadline and no submission fee, offering the same exposure you’d get in a competition, but allowing you to apply at your leisure.
Universities are not only a hotbed for artistic appreciation, but they may also be home to some of the most approachable galleries in the United States. Once again, it is important to carefully review the submission guidelines, as all of them are different–one gallery may prefer MFA grads, while another may ask you to come and speak to one of their classes about the work you are exhibiting.
