The Shape of a Father

L.A. Photo Curator runs themed open calls juried by Laurie Freitag, the platform's founder, with selected work shown in online exhibitions and longer-form features. The Shape of a Father is a thematic call built around fatherhood in its widest sense.

The brief is deliberately open: biological fathers, mentors, father figures, absence, memory, or lasting influence — and a father does not need to appear in the photograph at all. Open across all photographic styles, to amateur and professional photographers worldwide.

Selection has two tiers. The first-place winner receives a solo online exhibition, a featured Q&A article, and a one-month homepage feature on L.A. Photo Curator. All selected photographers are included in a group online exhibition with artist statement and bio, and are considered for the platform's Top 40 Images of the Year and Photographer of the Year selections.

Charitable component: 5% of entry fees are donated to No Kid Hungry; an additional 5% goes to the winner's chosen charity. Limited fee waivers are available on request.

Submissions are by email, in groups of 3 or 6 images (not 4 or 5). Fee is $25. The 2026 deadline is July 26.