“Cameras & Cocktails”

Photographers’ Showcase Online Entry

Hosted by the Stanislaus Arts Council and the Modesto Artists Movement

Enter for an opportunity to win $100!

In partnership with Cameras & Cocktails, we are celebrating local creativity with a juried photography competition that lives both on the street and online.  Click the button below to view the submissions and read beyond to catch all the details!

How it works

The “online” entry fee is $5 per artist, and each entry allows up to 5 photograph submissions. All ages are welcome, but please note some Art Walk venues may be 21+ due to our participating partners, so please review the age notes thoroughly.

  1. Read the rules and prepare up to 5 JPG or PNG files.

  2. Email your entry to info@stanislausarts.org using the template below.

  3. Pay the invoice we send by email for $5 plus the transaction fee.

  4. Jury review takes place after payment is received.

  5. Results announced by September 18, 2025. Accepted work appears in the Art Walk and in our online gallery on this page.

Rules

Eligibility:

  • Open to residents of Stanislaus County. All ages welcome.

  • Some in-person venues are 21+. Artists under 21 may still submit. Access to 21+ locations will be restricted per venue policy.

Entry Limits:

  • Each entry may include up to 5 photographs. Any additional entry is $5 plus the transaction fee.

File guidelines:

  • Format JPG or PNG, sRGB color.

  • Size at least 2000 px on the long edge.

  • Naming Lastname_Title_01.jpg, Lastname_Title_02.jpg, etc.

  • No watermarks please.

Content:

  • Your work must be original and created by you.

  • No AI-generated images. No hateful, harassing, or illegal content.

Fees and payment:

  • $5 per entry.

  • Invoices are sent by email. Entries are queued for jury only after payment is received.

  • Fees are non-refundable.

Rights and usage:

  • You retain copyright.

  • By submitting, you grant Stanislaus Arts Council and the Modesto Artists Movement a non-exclusive license to display your images on our website, social channels, and printed promotions for this exhibition and its recap, with credit to you.

Contact and age confirmation:

  • Submissions must include name, email, phone, and mailing address.

  • Confirm your age over 21 or under 21. This helps us route accepted work to the appropriate venue.

Submit by email

Send an email to info@stanislausarts.org with the subject line:
MAM Photo Entry – [Your Name] – [up to 5 images]

Email body

  • Name:

  • Email:

  • Phone:

  • Address (City, State, ZIP):

  • Age confirmation: Over 21 or Under 21

  • Titles and captions for each image:

  • I have read and accept the rules and usage terms: Yes

Attachments

  • Up to 5 JPG or PNG files.

  • Image specs: JPG/PNG (sRGB), 2,400–2,560 px long edge, max 3 MB each (hard max 4 MB).

  • Name files Lastname_Title_01.jpg, etc. Total email ≤ 20 MB. No watermarks.

After you email

  • We will send a $5 invoice by email. Pay the invoice to complete your entry.

  • You will receive a confirmation email once your entry is marked Paid and ready for jury review.

Timeline

  • Call opens: August 29, 2025

  • Deadline to submit:  September 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM

  • Invoices due: within 48 hours of receipt

  • Jury review: September 13 - 17, 2025

  • Award Ceremony: September 18, 2025 between 8:00 - 9:00 PM at Lo-Fi Lounge (21+ Only)

FAQs

Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes, but there will be a $5 entry plus applicable fees for each set of submissions.

What if I am under 21?
You may still submit but you will not be able to enter the LoFi Lounge, a 21+ venue, on the Awards Night. We will be happy to award you your cash prize on the sidewalk out in front, however.

How do I pay the fee?
The SAC staff will send you an invoice through Squarespace where you can easily pay the invoice online. Cash payments are not accepted.

How does voting work for online submissions?
A jury of artists from the Modesto Artists Movement and Stanislaus Arts Council will serve as judges.  

How large should my files be?

  • Format: JPG (preferred) or PNG, sRGB color, no watermarks.

  • Pixels: 2,400–2,560 px on the long edge (min 2,000 px okay).

  • File size per image: ≤ 3 MB (hard max 4 MB).

  • Total email size: ≤ 20 MB (5 × ~3 MB gives us buffer below common 25 MB limits).

  • File naming: Lastname_Title_01.jpg, Lastname_Title_02.jpg, etc.

Who do I contact with questions
Email info@stanislausarts.org for more information.