LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Photography Showcase

PURPOSE

WTR Cooler Studio is hosting our first Pride Month Photography Showcase to highlight local LGBTQ+ artists! The goal of this showcase is to display the talents, artistry, and/or history of the LGBTQ+ community.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Eligibility:

  • Open to photographers of all experience levels.

  • Participants must be 18 years or older.

  • Open to individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Photographic Content:

  • Photos must be original work.

  • No artificial intelligence (AI) renderings or creations are permitted.

  • Content should avoid stereotypes and be culturally sensitive and respectful.

Technical Specifications:

  • Each participant may submit up to 8 photos.

  • Photos must be high resolution (minimum 300 dpi).

  • File formats accepted: JPEG, PNG.

  • File size should not exceed 10MB.

  • Both color and black-and-white images are accepted.

Submission Process:

  • All submissions must be submitted via the Google Form by June 11, 2025 at 11:59PM. 

  • The cost of submission is $20 per artist. Each artist is allowed one submission.

  • The selection team will choose between 1 and 4 photos to display per accepted submission.

  • Include the following information with your submission:

    • Contact information (email and phone number)

    • First and Last Names

    • Desired name to be used in artwork labels

    • An artist’s bio (of around 50-150 words)

    • A title for each photo (up to 15 words)

    • A brief description of each photo (up to 50 words)

  • If selected, artists will be responsible for printing and framing their selected works to have on display during the showcase. 

Image Rights & Usage:

  • By submitting, you grant WTR Cooler Studio the right to use your photograph(s) in digital or print media related to Pride Month and/or the Studio itself, including social media, websites, exhibitions, and promotional materials.

  • You retain ownership of your photographs. Any use of your work will include credit.

  • Artists have the option to sell their artwork during the showcase; however, participation is not required. WTR Cooler Studio will not retain any commission from sales made.

Judging Criteria:

  • Creativity and originality: Unique perspectives or artistic expressions.

  • Technical quality: Focus, composition, lighting, etc.

  • Emotional impact: The power to evoke emotion or tell a compelling story.

Selection Information:

  • Selected photographs will be featured in WTR Cooler’s Pride Month Photography Showcase, held at WTR Cooler Studio on June 29th, 2025.

  • Up to 10 artists will be selected to participate in the Showcase.

  • Artists will be informed of selections on June 13th, 2025.

  • Selected artists are responsible for printing and framing their selected work(s).

  • Where and how the works are displayed for the Showcase is up to the discretion of WTR Cooler Studio.

Printing Guidelines:

  • Printing and framing is mandatory, and is at the expense of the selected artists.

  • All works must be display-ready, well-crafted, framed, and ready to be displayed.

  • Maximum print and frame size is 16x20in.

  • Selected artists must hand-deliver their printed and framed work(s) to WTR Cooler Studio on June 25th or June 26th during one of the drop-off times. (Specific drop-off times will be provided after selection.)

  • Prints must be good quality. It is up to the discretion of the selection team to not accept any printed work that is not up to the Showcase’s standard.

  • Please note that the Studio will use self-adhesive strips to display the framed works. All framed works must have frames and/or backings suitable for the use of self-adhesive strips.

  • Artists’ prints and frames will be returned to them, either immediately following the conclusion of the event or during a designated pick-up time.

Additional Details:

  • Ensure your submissions reflect the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Images featuring recognizable individuals should have consent for participation and publication. If selected, it is the artist’s responsibility to acquire any model releases that may be necessary for any identifiable persons in the photograph.

Important Dates:

  • The final submission deadline is June 11th at 11:59PM. 

  • Artists will be informed of selections on June 13th.

  • Selected artists must bring their printed and framed work(s) to WTR Cooler Studio on June 25th or June 26th during one of the drop-off times.

  • The Pride Month Showcase will take place on June 29th.

Contact Information:

  • For questions or more information, please email us at hello@wtrcooler.studio with the word “Showcase” included in the subject line.