The “Visions of Denver Architecture” Photography Contest celebrates Doors Open Denver: Destination Downtown, a citywide exploration of the architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, and public spaces at the heart of Denver. This year’s programming will highlight Denver’s remarkable downtown renaissance: the reinvention of the 16th Street corridor, the revitalization of historic landmarks, and the surge of bold thinking and contemporary design reshaping our urban core.
Photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit images of architectural spaces in Denver. Each photographer may submit up to 3 images per entry. Images can be taken recently or photographers can submit older photos, but submitted photos should not have been previously published.
Photo credit: Eric Wencel, The Unfound Door
Submission guidelines
All forms of architectural imagery are welcome: black & white, color, film, digital, exterior, interior, landscape architecture, and detail images.
The following media are eligible: film, scanner, screen-capture, digital camera, and any means of mobile photography. No video submissions.
File Type: JPG or JPEG only
File Dimensions: 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side
File Size: Under 5MB
AI Policy: AI generation or manipulation is not permitted in the Visions of Denver Architecture Photography contest. AI use is limited to basic editing such as denoising and dust spot removal. AI may not be used to remove or add elements to a photo or reorder elements of scenery. RAW photos may be requested by the juror or Denver Architecture Foundation for verification. Any AI generated or manipulated images will be disqualified. The entry fee for the competition is non-refundable.
Juror and Jurying
The Visions of Denver Architecture Photo Contest will be juried by acclaimed design and fine arts professional photographer Emily Minton Redfield. 30 photos will be selected for exhibition, with 5 of those photos receiving recognition in the following categories:
- Best in Show
- Best Urban Interior
- Best Urban Exterior
- Best Urban Detail
- Best Urban Landscape
The photographer who is awarded Best In Show will be offered a 30 minute portfolio review session with the juror, Emily Minton Redfield. The photo will be featured on the Denver Architecture Foundation holiday card.
All award winners will receive a one year individual membership to Denver Architecture Foundation, the Guide to Denver Architecture book, and a ticket to a Denver Architecture Foundation walking tour of their choice.
Criteria
Photographs will be evaluated by the Juror’s expertise for creative interpretations of Denver’s urban environment, representing architectural storytelling, artistic and original compositions, technical excellence, connection to the theme of Destination Downtown, and their ability to evoke a sense of place. Submitted photos should not have been previously published.
Timeline
June 15: Call for entry opens
August 7: Call for entry closes
Week of August 31: Photographers selected for exhibition are notified by Denver Architecture Foundation
September 7: Deadline to submit full high-res photos for printing
September 27: Public reception for exhibitionists to close Doors Open Denver Festival
September 28-December 31: Online gallery posted to Denver Architecture Foundation’s website
Submission Fee
The entry fee for the Visions of Denver Architecture Photo Contest is $16 for up to 3 photos. Photographers are welcome to submit more than 3 photos for consideration but must resubmit the form and an additional entry fee for additional photos to be considered. Upon submission of the form you will be redirected to a payment processing page – your submission will only be valid and under consideration for the exhibition upon receipt of entry fee.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
For any questions related to the photo contest or payment, please email gro.erutcetihcrarevned@olleh.
We do not want the submission fee to be a barrier for participation – if your financial situation prohibits you from participating in the photo contest, please reach out for a waiver.
Header photo: Flock by Dustin Keirns