What is Shoot The Frame?
Shoot The Frame is a global portrait photography award celebrating powerful, creative and technically brilliant portraiture. After 13 years of monthly contests, Shoot The Frame moved to an annual format in 2025, with the Portrait Award returning again in 2026.
Who can enter?
Anyone. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers around the world. If you’re under 18, you’ll need permission from a parent or guardian.
What are the categories?
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One Frame – A single photographic portrait judged as a standalone work.
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Photo Essay – A cohesive series of up to 15 portrait images presented as a unified body of work.
How many images can I enter?
There’s no limit. Submit as many entries as you like across both categories.
Can I re-enter a photo I’ve submitted before?
Yes. Images previously entered into the Shoot The Frame monthly contests may be entered into the Annual Award, including past monthly finalists and winners.
Images or Photo Essays that were selected as a Winner or Finalist in the 2025 Annual Award are not eligible to be considered again. Honourable Mentions from the 2025 Annual Award may be re-entered.
What file specifications are required?
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JPG or JPEG format
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Minimum 2MB and maximum 10MB
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Shortest edge must be at least 2000 pixels
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sRGB colour space recommended
Are composite or AI-generated images allowed?
No. We accept standard post-processing, but composites, heavy digital manipulations, and AI-generated portraits are not permitted.
What are the prizes?
See the Prizes page
Who judges the entries?
See the Judges page
When will winners be announced?
February 2027
Do I keep the copyright to my image?
Yes. You retain full copyright to your work. By entering, you grant Shoot The Frame permission to use submitted images for promotional purposes, with photographer credit.
Do I need a model release?
Yes. If your portrait features an identifiable person, especially a minor, you must have their permission to submit and publish the photograph. You are responsible for obtaining and retaining any necessary releases.
Can I get feedback on my submission?
We don’t currently offer individual feedback on submissions, but this is something we may explore in future editions.
How do I enter?
You can submit your entries via the official Shoot The Frame website and submission form. Be sure to follow the file and category guidelines.
