New York Center for Photographic Arts - International Photography Open Call

• New York Center for Photographic Arts

• Deadline: January 4th, 2026

• Theme: Urban, Suburban, Rural

• Prize: $4,000 Prize Pool + Online Exhibition

• Entry Fees: Yes

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Urban, suburban, and rural spaces represent three very different ways of seeing the world—and living within it. These locations not only shape our lifestyles but also influence how we perceive and capture images of our surroundings. Each carries its own identity, its own set of visual elements, and its own atmosphere that can be explored through photography.

The urban landscape is fast-paced and vibrant. Its visual language is bold: busy streets alive with pedestrians, the constant flow of public transit, and the skyline carved out by glass and steel skyscrapers. Within cities, you may notice patterns of light and shadow against architecture, graffiti that brings color to concrete walls, or the timeless drama of human interaction unfolding in shared spaces.

Suburban environments, however, offer a sense of order and familiarity. Rows of houses with tidy front yards create a rhythm of repetition, while strip malls and neighborhood parks provide focal points of daily life. Barbecues in backyards, family gatherings, and local community events reflect the intimacy of suburban living. The imagery here is more personal, often centered around connection and tradition.

In rural areas, the canvas widens. Expansive fields, barns, and winding country roads define the visual landscape. Animals in open pastures, white wooden fences, and even weathered cars resting in overgrown grass tell stories of endurance, memory, and the bond between people and land. These images capture both beauty and resilience, reminding us of the enduring relationship between nature and human habitation.

No matter which environment you are drawn to, urban, suburban, or rural, each provides endless opportunities to explore the interplay between place, people, and perspective.