100 participants are randomly assigned a square section of Portland and have 24 hours to photograph their unique space. Live judging takes place at the end of the 24 hour time frame, and prizes are awarded to the top images. Don’t miss this!
About | Categories | Awards | Benefits | Judges | Past Winners | FAQ | Rules
Registration for PDXSQ 2026 is Now Open!
Title Sponsors
PDX Squared At A Glance
Who
The event is open to EVERYONE! ASMP & NANPA, members, non-members, professionals, students and aspiring photographers – all are welcome!
What
100 – Photographers
100 – Unique Locations
24 – Hours of Photography
6 – Categories
10 – Total Awards
3 – World-Class Judges
2 – Days of Community
1 – Incredible Experience
When
May 15th – 16th, 2026
Where
Polara Studio
1309 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Cost
$89 – ASMP/NANPA/OPPA Members
$119 – Non-Members
$39 – Students
Non-Contestant
$10 – Live Judging Only
Registration Includes:
- Contest entry
- Beer, wine, brats, and dessert!
- Discounted gear rental
- Live judging
- Prizes for each category and craft awards
Our World-Class Supporters
In addition to our Title Sponsors for 2026, PDX Squared is enhanced by our wonderful network of Supporters – companies who have offered prizes or contributions to ensure that this event is the best around. Check out all the brands who support you!
Interested in becoming a named Supporter of PDX Squared 2026? Click here for more info.
The PDX Squared 2026 Official Book
Thanks to our exclusive printing sponsor Blurb, all participants (and all the winning images!) will be featured in a custom 5×5 book that you will not want to miss! Pre-order at a discounted cost (only $24.95) when you register to make sure you reserve your copy today!
The Contest
Categories
PORTRAIT:
A photograph of a person in a real environment. (What we mean: Think of this as non-fiction. These are portraits of actual people in their own life. For example, if you find a butcher shop and take a portrait of the butcher, the picture belongs here. If you photograph that butcher on a river bank and put a fishing pole in his hand posed as an awesome looking fisherman, it belongs in Crafted Image.)
DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY:
A photograph that truthfully portrays people, places or things. (What we mean: This is about documenting and telling stories visually as an observer. This includes traditional street photography, photojournalism, news gathering, editorial and taking pictures at events. See NPPA rules.)
NATURAL WORLD:
A photograph of or relating to the natural environment. (What we mean: Photographing subjects in the natural environment where the predominant elements and subject are naturally occurring. Trees, flowers, bees, and birds go here. If the bird is made of felt and is on a cowboy hat, that belongs in PORTLANDIA.)
Crafted Image:
A conceptualized, produced photograph of a created scene or tableaux. (What we mean: In this scenario you might be bringing models, lighting, props, or other elements into a location to create a fictional story. )
URBAN LANDSCAPE:
A photograph of or relating to the man-made environment. (What we mean: Photographing the built environment where the predominant elements and subject are man-made. If you take an amazing picture of a bridge or a building it belongs here. If you are taking a picture of a rally that also has a bridge or building in the background it belongs in DOCUMENTARY.)
Portlandia:
Keep Portland Weird – A photograph that shows the uniqueness of Portland. (What we mean: Portland is a wonderful and unique place. The elements that make our city different are hard to define, but you know it when you see it. We are weird, but weird with purpose. We are weird with story. We are weird with meaning. This category is a place to celebrate our story of diversity and strangeness.)
The Craft Awards
The Craft Awards were created to reward excellence in photographic craft and technique. These awards are about the use of a specific photographic tool or principle to create a successful image. You can’t submit images for these awards, the judges nominate them during live judging. Winners will be announced during the 2nd intermission.
BEST USE OF:
- Light
- Composition
- Black & White
- In-Camera Time & Motion (Blur or Stop-action)
We’re not going to forget about our amazing help, we want to encourage them to step out and take some pictures too!
Volunteers Awards: Best use of Light/Composition/Black&White/In-Camera Time & Motion
On Assignment:
Portland Squared 2026
On May 15th, 100 photographers will be turned loose in the City of Portland. With Portland Squared, you can capture documentary photography or you can create something yourself. We have 6 Category Awards and 4 Craft Awards. We created The Craft Awards to reward excellence in photographic craft and technique. These Awards are about the use of a specific photographic tool or principle to create a successful image.
- We want you to think of the Categories and Craft Awards as broad assignments. You don’t have to shoot to these, but they may give you more focus. You can, of course, go out and shoot whatever you find and come back to edit and decide where the images fit best. We have found that shooting for a Category gives you direction and may lead to better photographs, but it’s up to you!
- Images may only be entered into a single Category.
- All images are judged anonymously.
- Images will be judged on their overall impact, and on the basic elements of merit, including – Emotion, Creativity, Composition & Design, Color Balance, Center of Interest, Lighting, Subject Matter, and Story-Telling.
- Images for the Craft Awards will be selected by the Judges.
Live Judging
An exciting benefit for Portland Squared participants is the opportunity to listen and watch the judging in action. Judges will be candidly reviewing and selecting images with comments on favorable and less than optimal characteristics and quality of the submitted images. The emphasis will be on picking the best images in each category with the added educational value of constructive criticism from which everyone can benefit. For all of us, becoming the best photographer that we can be inevitably is a work in progress, so don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to learn from your own images and those of others as seen through the eyes of our outstanding panel of judges.
Rentals & Gear
Discounted Camera Gear Rental from Pro Photo Supply
Pro Photo Supply will have rental gear available at great discounts only for PDX Squared participants! Details on how to get 50% off rental packages will be included in your confirmation email.
Additionally, Pro Photo Supply will have a small selection of lenses and camera bodies available to borrow on Friday evening at Polara from Canon & Nikon. Please make sure you have a CC and ID available, as we’ll need copies of both in order to lend out these free pieces of demo gear!
The Map
This year each participant will be assigned one of 100 squares. For 2026 we have five wild card squares open to all photographers.
What To Bring
- Your camera (or rent one on Friday from Pro Photo Supply at a discount).
- A laptop with your favorite editing software. Or email asmp.events@gmail.com to make alternate arrangements.
- A water bottle. Filtered water will be available for refills.
- A sense of adventure.
The Schedule
- Sunday, March 15th Registration opens to everyone.
- Friday, May 15th @ 3 – 6pm Receive your square at Polara Studio (1309 SE Division, Portland), be assigned an editing pod and pick up any discounted rental gear from our fabulous sponsor, Pro Photo Supply.
- Friday @ 3pm – Saturday @ 4pm Shoot and explore your square!
- Saturday @ 1pm Studio reopens and group editing begins.
- Saturday @ 4pm – Contest submissions are due. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
- Saturday @ 3pm – 6pm – Break for beer, wine and brats at the Polara Studio Courtyard. Participants can head to local restaurants for full meals.
- Saturday @ 6pm-9pm Dessert and Live judging. Winners announced at the end of each category.
- Saturday @ 9pm Winners’ Slideshow. That’s a wrap!
This year PDX Squared has eliminated all single-use plastic from the event to be more sustainable than ever!
2026 Judges
Trevor Graves
Trevor Graves is the co-founder and president of Nemo Design, a Portland, Oregon based brand agency known for its deep roots in global outdoor and lifestyle brands. Before launching Nemo, Trevor was a pioneering snowboard photographer whose images of icons like Craig Kelly and Shaun White helped shape the look and feel of the sport in the late 80s and 90s. Today, he focuses on brand building, creative mentorship, and business development for Nemo. He splits his time as the hosts the CoPro podcast, where he and his guests unpack how brands get built, run, and sometimes get wrecked drawing on three decades of experience across photography, design, and entrepreneurship.
David Strohl
David Strohl is a photographer, educator, and advisor who helps students identify professional career paths, develop confidence in their work, and present themselves in an informed, professional manner. He moved to Portland in 2014 with a clear goal: to build a strong, respected commercial photography program at Mt. Hood Community College.
David has taught at the college level since 2011, after earning his MFA from the Savannah College of Art & Design. His work has been exhibited nationally and featured in industry publications including Communication Arts, PDN, and Popular Photography. His freelance clients include The Travel Channel, Dell, the City of Austin, Food & Wine, Texas Monthly, Barron’s, Architectural Digest, and Garden & Gun.
Kate Woodman
- A storyteller. Always striving to create powerful narrative imagery that connects you to your humanity while paradoxically helping you escape it. When worlds don’t exist, I make them up in Photoshop.
- A practical polymath. Full time photographer, director, digital artist, art director & retoucher; part time stylist, set designer, location scout, composite artist and producer. I’m not a control freak, I just like to do it all. Just don’t ask me to do makeup.
- A former engineer. As comfortable with spreadsheets as I am storyboards. Ten years of field tested creative problem solving skills, which tends to come in handy when your grip truck no-shows and you need to jerry rig a light to a tree with some c-clamps and gaffers tape, with six minutes of sunlight left (true story).
- An educator. An obsession with color theory and the science behind it, combined with a compulsive need to teach others, has resulted in numerous tutorials, speaking engagements and the occasionally residency as a collegiate professor.
Leah Nash
PDXSq26 Moderator + Founder
Returning again as the PDX Squared emcee for 2026, Leah Nash is a photographer and filmmaker based in Portland, Oregon. Special rockstar talents include portraiture, lifestyle, travel, and documentary photography with an authentic and atmospheric bent. This event is dedicated to her father, photographer and videographer, Jerry Nash.
Mark Fitzgerald
PDXSQ26 Digital Tech
Before founding The Digital Darkroom in 2002, Mark spent twenty years working in and consulting for professional photolabs. Now as a Photoshop, Lightroom, and digital workflow expert, I work with all sorts of photographers on a daily basis. As a teacher and author, I am committed to helping photographers thrive in our ever-changing Photographic paradigm.
I work hard to present information in an organized manner using easy to understand language. Whether a seasoned pro, or a serious hobbyist, I can help take your photography to the next level.
My love of photography is the thing that brought me to this point in my life. I purchased my first camera when I was 18 and have been involved in photography ever since. I’ve done all sorts of commercial photography, from architecture to album covers, but my current specialty is industrial fine-art photography.
Dan tidwell
PDXSQ26 Pod Leader Leader
With over 60 years of experience spanning the globe, Dan Tidwell is more than a photographer; he is a “digitalographer.” His career is defined by a rare fusion of artistic intuition and rigorous technical mastery, capturing the world through lenses ranging from the expansive 8mm fisheye to the surgical precision of a 2,000mm telephoto lens.
While he is primarily a Nikon specialist, his portfolio defies categorization and encompasses:
Advanced techniques in microscopy, tele-macro, time-lapse, and full-spectrum photography (Infrared and Ultraviolet).
High-stakes adventure travel and environmental portraiture captured in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
A technical approach to light and optics that treats every frame as a feat of “Image Engineering.”
Beyond his own shutter, Dan is a dedicated educator. As a mentor and guide, he has shaped the next generation of visual storytellers through immersive hands-on workshops and tailored one-on-one support. His mission is to transform “would-be” photographers into career professionals by demystifying the complex mechanics of the craft.
MuffY Marshall
PDXSQ26 Volunteer Cordinator
Polara Studio’s Manager, Chief cat herder, finder and widget fixer…
Past Winner Galleries
FAQ’s
What does Portland Squared cost?
REGISTRATION: $89 ASMP/NANPA/OPPA members, $119 non-members, and $39 for students.
Registration includes:
- Entrance in the contest
- Discounted gear rental
- Live judging (instant feedback on contestants’ images)
- Prizes for each category
$10 tickets to attend live judging also available for non-contestants.
Do I have to be an ASMP Member or a professional photographer?
No and no. ASMP, NANPA and OPPA Members, non-members, and students are invited, and all skill levels are encouraged.
When and where do we meet?
Polara Studio
1309 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
How long do I have to shoot?
Once you receive your square assignment between 3 and 6 p.m. on Friday, you may immediately begin shooting. Group editing is from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, but you may shoot during this time, as well. However, all contest submissions are due to your Pod Leader, properly named, by 4 p.m. (NO exceptions).
Do I have to shoot the whole time?
No. You choose the amount of shooting you want to do in the 24 hour period.
Do I have to shoot only in my square?
It is widely known, practiced, and taught in the photography and art education world, that constraint is a great way to kick-start creativity. PDX Squared was created with this concept in mind and we firmly believe that the physical and time constraints built into the event are a fantastic way to encourage amazing work.
We strongly encourage you to create your images in your assigned square or the five wild card squares. Images created outside of the PDX Squared map will not be accepted.
Is water included in the shooting area?
The river is not included as a section, though anyone can photograph that area if they choose.
Is there camera gear available to rent?
YES, available from Pro Photo Supply at a discount.
Do I have to submit square cropped images?
No, all crops, from square to panoramic, are welcome.
Is drone photography allowed?
Yes. Follow all FAA rules and regulations.
Do I need model releases?
We leave model releases up to the discretion of the photographer and is always good practice. However, in the case of disputes, persons, places, and/or objects appearing within all submitted images should be fully and properly released and will be the responsibility of the photographer.
Can I stage, set up, or use models in my images? Can images be manipulated?
Yes, as long as you enter the images in the Crafted Image category.
What about AI?
All images submitted must be originally created in-camera. Retouching is allowed (except for the Documentary category) however, no use of 2nd party AI images or regenerative fill.
What are the “journalistic standards” for the Documentary category?
Please refer to the NPPA Code of Ethics for more information about these standards.
What is an editing pod?
Each contestant will be assigned to an editing pod and Pod Leader to serve as a resource. Each pod consists of 7-10 photographers and 1 leader to help with editing, file naming, submission, and to answer questions. During the group editing, we encourage you to sit and mingle with your pod. This is a chance to share your work and adventures from the day. All contest submissions will be due to your Pod Leader Saturday by 4 p.m., NO exceptions.
Do I need a laptop?
Yes, please bring your own laptop for the editing pod session (1-4 p.m. Saturday). If you do not have one, email asmp.events@gmail.com to make alternate arrangements.
Can ASMP board members, and PDX Squared Volunteers compete?
Board members and volunteers can choose to photograph anywhere in the PDX Squared map and compete for the Volunteers Awards.
Can PDX Squared POD Leaders compete?
POD Leaders can not compete in the regular competition. However they can choose to photograph anywhere in the PDX Squared map and compete for the Volunteers Awards.
How many images may I submit?
Each entrant may submit up to a total of 5 entries.
What size and color should my submitted images be?
.jpg files, 3000 pixels on the longest side in Adobe SRGB color space.
Who are the 2026 Judges?
To view their profiles and bio’s, click here!
How does the live judging work?
Click here for details.
What are the categories?
- Portrait: A photograph of a person in a real environment.
- Crafted Image: A conceptualized, produced photograph of a created scene or tableaux.
- Documentary Photography: A Photograph that truthfully portrays people, places or things. See NPPA rules.
- Urban Landscape: A photograph of or relating to the man-made environment.
- Natural World: A photograph of or relating to the natural environment.
Portlandia: Keep Portland Weird – A photograph that shows the uniqueness of Portland.
CRAFT Awards:
Rewards to excellence in photographic craft and technique. You can’t submit images for these awards, the judges nominate them during live judging. Winners will be announced during the 2nd intermission.
- Best use of Light
- Best use of Composition
- Best use of Black and White
- Best use of In-Camera Time & Motion (Blur or Stop Action)
- Volunteers Award (judges select top 3 staff/volunteer/sponsor submitted images, and choose 1 -3 winners.)
Do I keep my copyright?
Yes! All photographers retain the copyright to their images.
What can I win?
Our fabulous sponsors will be providing prizes, including product and services from Pro Photo Supply. As we secure prizes we will be updating our website. So stay tuned!
Can I invite a guest(s)?
Yes. Tickets are available to attend live judging. They can be purchased for $10 in advance or at the door.
Can I get a refund?
Full refunds for all tickets are available until May 7th, 2026. No-shows for all ticket types will not be refunded. To obtain a refund, please email asmp.events@gmail.com.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes, when all available contestant slots are taken, we will begin a waiting list. Sign up for the wait list at the registration page.
Is there a contact if I have additional questions?
Yes, email asmp.events@gmail.com.
Full Contest Rules
Expand to read the 2026 contents rules
Cost:
REGISTRATION FEES
$89 – Contestant – ASMP, NANPA and OPPA Members
$119 – Contestant – Non-Members
$39 – Contestant – Students
$15 – Judging Event (non-contestant)
Contestant fee includes:
Entrance in the contest.
Discounted gear rental from Pro Photo Supply. Available on a first come, first served basis.
Beer, wine, an outdoor grill (think brauts, veggies, etc) plus snacks and a dessert buffet!
Instant feedback on your images from POD Leaders and Judges.
Prizes for each category winners, honorable mentions, plus the craft awards.
How to Enter:
To enter, submit up to five original images created between 3pm May 15th and 4pm May 16th, 2026 within the designated area of Portland Squared, in the form of a jpg digital file. Contestants are allowed to enter a maximum of FIVE entries total. All files submitted must follow the naming convention and size specification guidelines provided. All entries must be received by May 16th, 2026 at 4pm.
All submitted images must be the original creations of the entrants; the sole work of the entrants and all persons, places and/or objects appearing within all submitted Images must be fully and properly released. By entering, all entrants agree to grant ASMP Oregon, Pro Photo Supply and Portland Squared the right to use their images in any publicity or promotions (including, but not limited to, a PDXSQ book, website(s) and gallery show). All entrants waive any claims against ASMP Oregon, Pro Photo Supply and Portland Squared affiliates concerning their respective rights in the images submitted in this Contest. Incomplete entries or entries not satisfying these Official Rules will be automatically disqualified.
AI:
All images must be originally created in camera. Retouching is allowed (except for the Documentary category) however, no use of 2nd party AI images or regenerative fill.
Eligibility:
The contest is open to Students, Emerging and Professional photographers registered prior to the event. All Portland Squared 2026 POD Leaders, committee members, and volunteers have the option to compete in the volunteer category. Judges and moderators are prohibited from competing.
Judging Criteria:
All entries will be judged. A 3-member independent panel will judge all eligible entries. In the event that a judge cannot fulfill the contest duties, they will be replaced at the sole discretion of the ASMP Oregon Board. All judging will be conducted “blind” (no names will be displayed on the photographs while they are being judged). Judges have the right to re-categorize images if they see fit. Live judging of the entries will begin May 16th, 2026 at 6pm, with final decisions to be announced that day. The decisions of the judges are final and binding in all respects. By participating, all entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules. Eligible entries will be judged on the basic elements of merit, including – impact, creativity, composition & design, color balance, center of interest, lighting, subject matter, and story-telling.
Major Categories include:
• Portrait (Found or brought subjects allowed)
• Crafted Image (This is for Produced images with models, lighting, props…)
• Documentary (true stories/non-fiction; no compositing; NPPA rules)
• Urban Landscape (the built environment; predominate elements are man-made)
• Natural World (the natural environment; predominate elements are naturally occurring
• Portlandia: Keep Portland Weird
CRAFT Categories – excellence in craft and technique and are flagged during the category judging.
• Best use of Light
• Best use of In-Camera Time & Motion (Blur or Stop Action)
• Best use of Composition
• Best use of Black & White
• Best Volunteer Photographs
The judges will choose Craft awards from all entries combined. A single image can only win one major category but is eligible to win Craft awards. ASMP Oregon reserves the right to refuse any entries that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be inappropriate for any reason. Entries in the Documentary Category may not be altered beyond journalistic standards.
Prizes:
One prize bundle, provided by our sponsors, will be awarded in each major category along with one prize awarded for one or more honorable mentions in each major category.
No cash redemptions. Prizes are non-transferable and no substitutions will be allowed. ASMP Oregon and Portland Squared reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value if prize is unavailable. Winners will be notified at event reception on May 16th, 2026. The winners must claim prizes within 60 days of notification. All prizes not claimed within the 60 days will revert back to the ASMP Oregon board for redistribution.
Winners List: A list of winners will be posted at www.PDXSquared.com
General:
Entrants shall be responsible for all entry-related costs. By accepting the prize, winners agree to the use of their respective name, likeness, biographical information, Image and/or Final Print, in whole or part, in combination with any other materials, in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity, for purposes of advertising, trade, or promotion of Portland Squared, Pro Photo Supply, ASMP, ASMP OR, or future ASMP OR photo competitions without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. By entering and/or accepting a prize, all entrants agree to release and indemnify Portland Squared, Pro Photo Supply, American Society of Media Photographers, Inc., ASMP OR, and their respective Board members, directors, employees, volunteers, representatives and assigns, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, agencies, divisions, and affiliates (the “Released Parties”) from and for any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in Contest, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize or participation in any Contest-related activity and claims based on publicity rights, copyright/trademark infringement, moral right, defamation or invasion of privacy (including but not limited to any claims from any persons depicted within any submitted Images or any claims from representatives of any places or objects depicted within the submitted Images) and merchandise return or delivery. By entering, all entrants waive any claims against the Released Parties concerning entrants’ rights in their submitted Images and/or Final Prints. The Released Parties shall not be responsible for any damages, taxes, or expenses that winners might incur as a result of this Contest or receipt of prize. All taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winners. The Released Parties shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to any submitted Image or Final Print.
Personal Release:
By registering, all participants grant ASMP, Pro Photo Supply, and Portland Squared, and his/her legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs, still or moving, for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter and composite the same without restriction and without inspection or approval. Participants hereby release ASMP, Pro Photo Supply, and Portland Squared and his/her legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said media.
Images by
Jennie Baker, Keri Friedman, Amanda Loman, Gabriella Marks, Dustin Pattison, Tom McLaren, James Glover, L.E. Baskow, Michael Montez, Michelle Swanson, Tal Volk, Fred Joe, James Glover