The Exposed DC Photography Show is a celebration of our nation’s capital as seen through the eyes of the people who live, work, and love here. Show us your best images of local art, sports, food, culture and street photography and yes, even the occasional monument, but make sure it blows us away! We want to see your amazing, everyday Washington, D.C. experiences.

What winners receive

Winning images will be included in the 2021 Exposed DC Photography Show and in the exhibition magazine made available in print and online. Winners receive one copy of the magazine featuring their photo. The exhibition will be held during Spring or Summer 2021 at a venue yet to be announced. Winning images may be presented in a virtual exhibition as well as at an in-person event adhering to any COVID-related rules and regulations.

About the organization

Exposed DC connects photographers of all levels with networking, mentoring, and exhibition opportunities. We partner with organizations to strengthen and cultivate the local photography community. Since 2006 we have produced the annual Exposed DC Photography Show, with images selected from a contest.

Special requirements

• You must be a resident of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• Images submitted have to be taken in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
• Please review the Terms & Conditions at the bottom of this page for the full set of requirements.

Note about uploading images

Each submission includes up to 10 images that you will add in the "Upload" step. If you are submitting more than 10 images, you will need to select "Add Another Project" to add more images to your submission. The cost is $10 per image, and there is no minimum or maximum amount of photos that can be submitted.

What subject matter is suitable for this contest?

The Exposed DC Photography Show is a celebration of our nation's capital as seen through the eyes of the people who live, work, and love here. Show us your best images of local art, sports, food, culture and street photography and yes, even the occasional monument, but make sure it blows us away! We want to see your amazing, everyday Washington, D.C. experiences. Regarding dated and altered images, our rule is simply to be reasonable. If your photo is obviously ten years old, it's unlikely we'll choose it to represent the city we live in today. Basic image adjustments are fine, but if it's obviously Photoshopped to some place outside of reality (text, extreme filters, gratuitous use of HDR, etc.), it's very unlikely we'll choose it.

How many photos can I enter?

You may enter as many photos as you like at a rate of $10/image. You may submit between 1 and 10 images per project, and you may include as many projects as you like in order to enter multiple images into the contest. Please note that if you are submitting more than 10 images, you will need to add another project to upload additional images. If you have any issues, please contact info@exposeddc.com.

Do I have to live in Washington, D.C. to enter the contest?

You must live in and enter photos taken in the general geographical area. The contest is a celebration of photography in the D.C. metro area. This includes the nearby commuting suburbs of Virginia and Maryland.

Do photos need to be taken with specific devices?

Nope! We welcome film, phone, digital, etc. However the image was made, you will need to provide a digital file when submitting to the contest (e.g., scans of film).

How will winning photos be displayed?

Images will be included in the 2021 Exposed DC Photography Exhibition. While exact details are still pending, photos will be presented online and will likely be projected during a live, socially distanced event pending COVID-related precautions. Winning images will also be included in our exhibition magazine, available in print and online. Winners receive one copy of the magazine.

Traditionally, Exposed DC prints and frames winning images (near but no larger than 8"x12" prints in a black metal 16"x20" frame with a white acid free mat and foam core backing) but will forgo printing and framing this year in order to focus efforts and funds on a different kind of show given the current circumstances, prioritizing the health and safety of all our guests. Winning photographers will be notified of any updates throughout the process.

When and where will the exhibit be?

The exhibition will be held in Spring or Summer 2021 with details yet to be announced. Special consideration is being given in the planning process to ensure the safety of the community as we continue to battle COVID-19, but we look forward to tackling these unique challenges during a global pandemic in order to celebrate local photography with you all in a safe and innovative way. Images may be part of a virtual exhibition and/or in-person event based on an assessment of the situation as it continues to develop.