Wanderlust: Share Your Journey Through the Lens — Join Photo Art Pavilion’s Virtual Open Call

There’s something magical about travel photography — the way a single image can whisk you off to another place, stir memories of distant horizons, and awaken a longing for adventure. Whether it’s the quiet sunrise over ancient rooftops, a windswept dune at the edge of a desert, or a fleeting expression on a stranger’s face in a bustling street market, the best travel photos transport us. Now imagine your travel images inspiring others around the world — welcome to Wanderlust: Journeys Through the Lens, a virtual juried photography open call presented by Photo Art Pavilion.

Wanderlust invites photographers from across the globe — from New York to Nairobi, Tokyo to Tangier — to submit their most evocative travel photographs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, if your heart races when you think of far-off places and the camera is your passport, this is your moment to shine.

This open call celebrates the spirit of adventure. It’s not just about perfect composition or picture-perfect landscapes — it’s about emotion, story, curiosity, and connection. A photograph that evokes a sense of wander, captures a moment you’ll never forget, or reveals the soul of a place has power. That is exactly what the Wanderlust jurors are looking for — images that make viewers feel like they are right there with you.

Why You Should Enter

Participating in Wanderlust is more than just submitting photos — it’s joining a global community of photographers who love to explore the world and share their vision. Here’s what makes this open call an opportunity you won’t want to miss:

Be Seen by a Wide Audience

Selected images will be showcased in an online gallery featured on PhotoArtPavilion.com in perpetuity, offering long-term visibility for your work. Photographers of all backgrounds and locations will be represented, making this a truly diverse and inclusive exhibition.

Win Cash Awards

Wanderlust offers exciting cash prizes: First Place — $150, Second Place — $125, Third Place — $100, and Honorable Mentions — $35. Even if you don’t take home one of the top prizes, having your work selected for the exhibit is a distinction worth celebrating.

A Virtual Exhibition and Reception

This year’s exhibit reception is fully virtual — scheduled for February 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST via Zoom. Raise a glass with fellow photographers from across the United States and around the world during an inspiring online event. The reception will also be recorded and posted on the Photo Art Pavilion YouTube Channel, so even more viewers can enjoy the celebration. What’s more, attendance at the live virtual reception is required for all exhibiting artists, giving you a chance to witness the announcement of winners in real time and even share a few words about your work if selected.

Who Can Enter?

Wanderlust is open to photographers 18 years and older, at every level of experience. Whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, smartphone, or film, what matters most is your passion for capturing the world around you. From vibrant street scenes to serene landscapes, from far-flung adventures to meaningful moments close to home, there is space here for every vision inspired by the love of travel.

The juror will select the top 50+ images to curate the final exhibit through a blind review process — meaning the selection is based solely on the strength of your photograph and not your name or reputation.

How to Submit

Entering the Wanderlust open call is easy. You can submit up to five images for a $37 entry fee, with additional images available for a small fee. All entries must be in JPG/JPEG format, with no watermarks, and meet the required image specifications. The deadline for submissions is February 9, 2026 — so start curating your favorite travel captures now!

Your Travel Stories Deserve to Be Seen

Think about the moments that make your heart race — a sun-drenched coastline, a crumbling ancient ruin, a market’s colors reflected in someone’s smile. Each photograph tells a story. Wanderlust is your chance to share that story and inspire others who live with the same passion for discovery and creative expression.

Don’t let your best travel images sit hidden on a hard drive or lost in social media feeds. Submit them to Wanderlust and let the world see your unique view of our beautiful, diverse planet. You never know — your art might be one of the 50 standouts selected for this unforgettable virtual exhibition.

Head to Photo Art Pavilion’s Wanderlust open call page today and start your journey. The world is waiting — where will your lens take us?