Photolucida - Critical Mass 2025 - Top 200 Finalist - William Karl Valentine

I am extremely happy to announce that a portfolio of my Eaton Fire photographs has been selected as a Top 200 Finalist in Photolucida’s Critical Mass 2025 competition. This is the fourth time I have been a Top 200 Finalist (previous years: 2023, 2016, & 2014).

Three of the ten images I submitted have already been exhibited this year in the following cities: New York City, Atlanta, Houston, and Middlebury, Vermont. I am thankful that so many people have recognized the value of this portfolio and have showcased my images. I also want to thank Polly Gaillard, Photolucida’s program director, who oversees Critical Mass for all the work she puts in making this competition happen every year.

My Submitted images are below.

How Photolucidia describes Critical Mass:

Critical Mass is an annual online program designed to foster meaningful connections within the photography world. Open to photographers at all levels and from anywhere across the globe, participants submit a portfolio of 10 images. After an initial pre-screening process, 200 finalists are selected to have their work reviewed and voted on by more than 150 distinguished international photography professionals. From this group, the TOP 50 are chosen, and a range of prestigious awards is presented.

Critical Mass offers an unparalleled opportunity to get your work in front of influential museum curators, gallerists, publishers, editors, educators, artists, and media producers.