Off The Clock 2026

Off The Clock is the annual photography competition organized by the American Photographic Artists chapter in Los Angeles (APA Los Angeles). The 2026 edition is the competition's 15th cycle. The premise is in the title: personal work made off the clock — outside commissioned commercial assignments.

The structural premise is unrestricted: no categories, no series restrictions, no creation date restrictions. AI-generated content is not accepted. APA members pay a discounted fee.

Selection is by Chris Pichler, founder and publisher of Nazraeli Press — one of the major US photobook publishers. Pichler selects 100 winning images.

Winners receive a printed and PDF catalog, an online gallery feature, social media exposure, and inclusion in a framed exhibition at an industry gala in Southern California.

Eligibility is open globally. Submission is through the APA website with unlimited single images. Fee is tiered $20–$40 ($20/image for APA members). The 2026 deadline was March 31; results announced June 2026.