About the Exhibition
The Joseph Miller Center for the Photographic Arts announces its 15th Annual Joseph Miller Abstract Photography Exhibit, an online juried exhibition celebrating excellence and innovation in abstract photographic imagery. This annual event welcomes photographers worldwide who explore abstraction through lens-based practices. The exhibit continues a long tradition of presenting work that emphasizes line, form, texture, color, and imaginative interpretation.
The 2025 exhibit will be juried by Mollie Isaacs, award-winning photographer, instructor, and founder of Awake the Light. Her expertise in fine-art photography and visual design brings a discerning and insightful perspective to this year’s selections.
This prospectus defines the eligibility, submission requirements, schedule, and terms for participation.
Eligibility
- Open to photographers worldwide.
- Entries must be photographs created by the submitting photographer.
- All work must be original; no adaptations, appropriations, or derivative works based on another individual’s creative output.
- AI-generated images are strictly prohibited, whether in whole or in part.
- Composite images and digital manipulations are permitted only if all source photographic material is created by the entrant.
- Still photographs only; video or multimedia works are not accepted.
Submission
- Entrants must submit images through ShowSubmit.com. Entrants must pay entry fees prior to the submission deadline (Tuesday, March 24, 2026).
- Each photographer may submit up to the maximum number of images indicated on the submission portal (if applicable).
- Images should be prepared to the technical specifications listed on the upload site (file format, size, color space, and other details).
- Titles should be concise and free of identifying information.
- The exhibit committee reserves the right to disqualify submissions that do not meet the eligibility or technical requirements.
All images submitted must:
- Be submitted as JPEG images in sRGB.
- Not display any border, embedded marks, names or logos.
Definition of Abstract
Photography is visual writing, usually depicting subjects. Subjects like landscapes, animals, people, architecture, or flowers. Abstracts are non-representational and do not rely upon recognizable subject matter. Abstract photographs consist of colors, tones, shapes, and textures. If the image has an obvious subject, it is not an abstract for the purposes of this exhibit. Artists may create or find abstract photographs.
As Joe stated: "Abstracts are the poetry of photography, free verse written in color and tone." Abstracts can be mysterious, both in subject matter, technique, and intention. We must feel, as well as see, abstracts like other forms of art.
For more information about finding and creating abstracts, visit Joe's blog. For inspiration, visit the Gallery. Additional inspiration can be found at Photography Life, Digital Photography School, Fix the Photo, Shotkit, or the photo argus.
Awards
The Joseph Miller Center for the Photographic Arts will recognize outstanding work through the following cash-value awards:
- Special Merit Awards – Conferred by the juror for exceptional artistic and technical achievement.
- People’s Choice Award – Determined by popular vote during the exhibition period.
Award recipients will be prominently featured within the online exhibit.
Juror
Mollie Isaacs – Awake the Light
Mollie Isaacs is an accomplished photographer, educator, and workshop leader known for her mastery of visual composition and creative expression. With an extensive career in fine-art and nature photography, she has guided thousands of photographers through the development of a distinctive artistic voice. Her perspective will shape a compelling and diverse exhibition of abstract photographic work.
Mollie Isaacs is an accomplished photographer, educator, and workshop leader known for her mastery of visual composition and creative expression. With an extensive career in fine-art and nature photography, she has guided thousands of photographers through the development of a distinctive artistic voice. Her perspective will shape a compelling and diverse exhibition of abstract photographic work.
Entry Fees
Entry fees of $30 for up to six (6) images must be paid on the submission portal at the time of upload. Entrants are limited to six (6) images for the exhibit.
Notifications will be sent electronically to all entrants.
Notifications will be sent electronically to all entrants.
Exhibition Format
Accepted works will be exhibited in a curated online gallery hosted by the NVACC beginning Friday, May 1, 2026 The exhibit will remain publicly accessible for review, voting (for the People’s Choice Award) throughout May.
Rights and Usage
- Entrants retain full copyright to their work.
- By submitting images, photographers grant the exhibit organizers non-exclusive rights to display accepted images in the online exhibit and in promotional materials related to the exhibit.
- No resale, licensing, or commercial use of submissions will occur without direct consent from the photographer.
Additional Notification Information
Notifications will be emailed and posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on April 20, 2026.
If you do not receive your email, login and view the notification in your account. We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of notifications.
Image and Filename Specifications
- File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
- Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
- Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
- Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
- File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
- File Size: There is a 30mb maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.
Additional Entry Information
- You will pay for your entry by credit or debit card using our secure checkout system.
- After your entry is submitted and paid for, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (March 24, 2026.)
- Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Support
For questions about NVACC or this Prospectus, please contact ([email protected]).
For technical support or entry questions, first check our Help Center or Entry Guide. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We’ll respond between 9am and 6pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.