POP Show Submission FAQ | Are you ready to enter?
- Melonie Marie McEver
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Updated: May 9
The 2026 POP Show is an inclusive celebration of photography designed for every photographer at every skill level. Whether you are a weekend hobbyist, a student, or a seasoned professional, this event is built to get your work off the screen and into a gallery.
The 2026 Pop Show | A Showcase for All Levels
We believe every printed image has power. That’s why our main event is open to everyone, providing a massive platform for the entire photography community to display their work:
The 8x10 Gallery Booth: Every single 8x10 entry submitted is displayed!
Sponsor Favorites: Our sponsors review all entries to select their Top 250 favorites for the premier 16x20 Gallery Showcase. These selections are based on impact and vision, making it the perfect stage for photographers of all experience levels.
The "Best Of" Awards: With 20 specialty topics and 5 main categories, there are dozens of opportunities for your work to be recognized and awarded.
The Grand Award Upgrade: Judges’ Choice
Looking to take your entry to the next level? You can upgrade your submission by requesting a Professional Critique.
By opting for a critique, you unlock entry into the Grand Print Awards Metal Print Showcase. The Top 5 Grand Print Awards (one for each main category) are selected exclusively from this group. These elite winners represent the pinnacle of the 2026 show and will be custom-printed on metal for a featured display in the showcase.
The Bottom Line: Enter the Showcase to join the community and get your work seen; add a Critique to receive professional feedback and compete for the Grand Award Best of Show.
Are you ready to enter the 2026 POP Show Gallery Collection? Review the details below to prepare your images, understand your options, and submit with confidence for the 2026 POP Show Gallery Showcase in Pensacola Florida Nov 20-22.
July 31, 2026 POP Show Entry deadline
Honoring the Artist. Showcasing the Print.
Will my POP SHOW image entry be judged?
This is not a traditional seated print competition where a panel of judges scores every individual entry. Instead, we use a multi-tiered selection and awards process:
Sponsor Favorites: All entries are first reviewed by our sponsors. They will select their favorite 250 images to be featured in the Gallery Showcase Event.
The 8x10 Gallery: Every 8x10 image submitted will be displayed in our dedicated 8x10 Gallery Booth. If you choose to donate your image, it will be available for sale to the public during the event.
Judges’ Choice Awards: While the main showcase is curated by sponsors, we will have 5 Judges' Choice Awards.
Note: To enter for Judges choice, you must opt for it with a Print Critique. Once you select a print critique, your image is automatically submitted for a Judges’ Choice Award. If selected, your work will be specially printed on metal for the Gallery Showcase.
2026 POP Show Cash Prizes & Awards
While the Power of Print is a celebration of the medium, we are excited to offer various awards and prizes to recognize outstanding work.
Category Awards
From the 250 sponsor favorites, we will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for each of our 5 main categories.
"Best Of" Topic Awards
We will also present 20 "Best Of" Awards across a wide variety of specialties. Whether you shoot newborns or airplanes, there is a place for your work to shine. Awards will be given for:
Nature & Animals: Animals (Mammals), Animals (All others), Flowers & Plants, Landscapes.
Portraits: Portraits (General), Wedding, Family, High School Senior, Maternity & Newborn.
Architecture & Transport: Architecture, Aviation, Transportation.
Artistic & Technical: Abstract Art, Composition Elements, Macro (Closeup), Still Life.
Storytelling & Life: Commercial, Documentary, Traveling & Exploring, Youth.
Grand Awards
In addition to the category and topic winners, keep an eye out for our 5 Judges' Choice Awards, which represent the pinnacle of craft and vision in this year's Best in show for each category.
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