2026 International Krappy Kamera

The 2026 International Krappy Kamera Competition is juried by Paula Tognarelli, who recently retired as Executive Director and curator of the Griffin Museum of Photography where she produced 54 exhibitions a year and jumpstarted hundreds of photographers' careers. She holds an M.S. in Arts Administration from Boston University and is a graduate of the New England School of Photography.

Soho Photo Gallery's philosophy is that great photographs can be made with basic equipment, and this competition searches for extraordinary photographs made with lousy lenses. Examples of Krappy Kameras include the Holga, Diana, Ansco, and pinhole cameras. You can also create your own Krappy Kamera by using your non-Krappy Kamera (e.g. 4x5, SLR, DSLR) and exchanging the lens with a Krappy lens (e.g. pinhole body cap or Holga-type lens). Cell phones, disposables and point and shoot cameras are ineligible. No AI generated work is accepted, though AI can be used in editing. The lens is the determining factor - just because a camera is old doesn't make it Krappy.

Prizes include First Place $300, Second Place $200, Third Place $100, three Honorable Mentions and a People's Choice award. Winning photographs must be framed and wired for hanging with maximum height or width (including frame) not exceeding 40 inches. The competition is open to all photographers 18 years and older, excluding members of Soho Photo Gallery. There is no limitation as to subject matter. Entry fee is $45 with a $5 media fee, and photographers must submit 5-15 images.