Critical Mass is an annual online program that makes connections within the photography community. Photographers at any level, from anywhere in the world, submit a portfolio of 10 images. Through a pre-screening process, the field is narrowed to a group of 200 finalists who go on to have their work viewed and voted on by over 150 esteemed international photography professionals. From the Finalist group, the TOP 50 are named and a series of awards are given. Critical Mass gets photographers’ work in front of top museum curators, gallerists, publishers, editors, educators, artists, and media producers. That’s a lot of eyes. It’s an unprecedented way to get your work in front of the right people! Critical Mass works. The professionals chosen for the Critical Mass jury are continually looking for new work. Every year, we hear a flurry of success stories. Curators report back with lists of photographers they’ve given exhibitions to. Photographers email us about photo editors who have highlighted their work in the media. Museum professionals tell us about artists they’ve added to their collections. Career-building connections happen in Critical Mass. Get your work on the radar! *Please Note: Photolucida will not accept submissions of AI-generated imagery in our 2024 Critical Mass call for entries. Our goal is to continue exploring issues at the intersection of AI, creativity, and photo-based work through ongoing conversation with curators, gallerists, collectors, thought leaders, and, of course, you - our community of passionate photographers.

Awards

Although the primary intent of Critical Mass is exposure (which is a benefit to all who enter), we are pleased to also offer awards each year. The awards for Critical Mass 2024 are:

The Critical Mass TOP 50 Exhibition – The Top 50 photographers will participate in a group exhibition at the Photographic Center Northwest in Seattle, in the spring of 2025. We are pleased that Arnika Dawkins (Arnika Dawkins Gallery, Atlanta) will be the curator for this exhibition.

The Michael Reichmann Project Grant Award – Three photographers will be selected from the Top 200 Finalists to each receive $1000 cash to go towards the development of a current or future project.

Center for Photographic Art Solo Show Award – One photographer will be chosen for a solo exhibition at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, California.

Print Collecting Initiative Award – Each Finalist will receive a signed limited edition fine art print – artist to be announced!