A Step-by-Step Visibility Plan for a Juried Photography Competition

Welcome to The Visibility Brief, a series exploring how artists can leverage real-world opportunities, such as exhibitions, grants, and residencies, to build lasting visibility.

In this post, we'll look at how a a juried photography competition and exhibition can serve as a springboard for national recognition and professional development.

Even if this isn’t the right fit for your medium or career stage, you’ll find strategies you can adapt for your own opportunities ahead.

Note: The strategies below use Silver Eye Center for Photography's open call as an example of how artists can build visibility through opportunities like this. I’m not affiliated with the organization; I selected this call because it’s a strong model for understanding how to approach a juried photography competition from a visibility standpoint.

The Opportunity: Silver Eye Center for Photography Fellowship 26

The Silver Eye Center for Photography Fellowship 26 is an open call for photography, offering two annual awards recognizing emerging and established photographers, with one open internationally and one focused on artists living or working in Pennsylvania. Winners receive $1,000, curatorial support, and inclusion in the Fellowship 26 exhibition at Silver Eye’s Pittsburgh gallery in May 2026.

The Center supports contemporary photographers whose work pushes the medium forward. With the right strategy, a competition like this can connect artists with curators, expand networks, and position work within the larger national conversation on contemporary photography.

Artist Scenario

If you’re a photographer already exhibiting locally and ready to reach a wider audience, this opportunity is a strong next step. It’s ideal for artists looking to expand beyond the regional circuit and connect with curators and peers who value fresh ideas and creative innovation in photography.

Submitting strong images matters, but it’s just as important to present your work strategically. Aim to show how your series fits into today’s conversations in photography and connects with curators and institutions that support fresh perspectives.

Your Plan: From Application to Visibility

A strong visibility plan begins the moment you decide to apply. The goal is to make every stage of the process part of your public story, not just the result.

Building Anticipation – Before You Apply

Before you submit your application, start positioning your submission within your larger professional story.

• Share your process: Post glimpses of editing, sequencing, or printing your work. Use captions like “Preparing my submission for a photography competition” and tag Silver Eye when appropriate.

  
  

• Tell your subscribers: Include a brief note in your email newsletter. This could include something like “I’m finishing an application for a fellowship focused on storytelling in photography. Whether or not I’m selected, the process helped clarify this new direction in my work.” This draws your audience into your professional journey and gives them a reason to cheer you on.

  
  

• Research the jurors: Follow their exhibitions and writing, engage authentically with their posts, and start connecting before the deadline. By the time your application is reviewed, you’ve already opened a professional dialogue.

  
  

This is visibility-building in motion, turning a private submission process into a public narrative of creative growth.

Maximizing the Exhibition

If you’re selected, treat it as more than an exhibition.  It’s also a media moment that can generate weeks of content and new connections.

• Announce professionally: Create a press-style post for your website, local press, and newsletter. Pair it with one great image and a concise, clear caption announcing your selection and what it means for your work.

  
  

• Add key events to your content calendar: Openings, artist talks, receptions, and panel discussions are all visibility opportunities. Build content around each one, including countdowns, preparation snapshots, and day-of updates.

  
  

• Share generously: Post installation photos, tag the organization, other exhibiting artists, and curators. Behind-the-scenes shots of setup or audience engagement humanize your work and extend your reach.

  
  

• Capture new connections: If there is an appropriate opportunity, share a QR code or digital form to join your email list. After the event, follow up with new contacts within a week, including a brief thank-you message and a link to your portfolio, to keep the connection alive.

  
  

Every moment, from the announcement to the artist talk, is a content opportunity that deepens your visibility and relationships.

Post-Event Leverage – If You’re Not Selected

If you aren’t selected this year, the opportunity still has tremendous value.

• Share a reflection: Write a short blog or social post about what preparing your submission taught you. This post could be about your direction, your craft, or your next goals.

  
  

• Stay engaged: Attend the exhibition, meet the staff, and connect with participating artists. Post a few photos or observations from the show, tagging those involved.

  
  

• Keep building relationships: Follow up with artists or curators you meet in person. Send a brief message thanking them for the conversation, and stay in touch over time.

  
  

Staying visible and showing genuine curiosity reinforce professionalism and persistence, two traits curators and organizations remember.

Takeaway

The artists who benefit most from opportunities like this aren’t just the award winners; they’re the ones who treat the process as a visibility campaign. By documenting your preparation, integrating the process into your email and social media, and staying engaged afterward, you turn a single submission into a meaningful part of your professional story.

Every opportunity becomes more powerful when you frame it as part of your story.

Start Your Visibility Plan

Ready to turn your next application into a full visibility campaign? Start with a $25 Introductory Artist Consult to see if you’re a good fit for a Visibility Strategy Session - a focused strategy session ($195) where we map out your custom visibility plan.

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