DEAR NEW YORK: A STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW IN GRAND CENTRAL

Presented by Humans of New York in partnership with NYCPS Arts Office

Calling all NYCPS Elementary, Middle and High School Students! 

Exhibition date:  October 6-19, 2025  at Grand Central Vanderbilt Hall 

Up to 300 students works will be selected.  

Take a portrait of someone in your community who deserves to be honored. Choose someone who has made a positive impact in your community or in your life. This could be someone in your school, your neighborhood, or your family. 

Submissions will not be judged by the quality of the camera. They will be judged by the artistry of the photo, and what you write about the honoree. 

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND TIPS FOR TAKING A GREAT PORTRAIT VISIT DEARNEWYORK.COM
 

The PORTRAIT: Use whatever camera you have available. It can be a digital camera, a phone, or your parent's phone. Submit a horizontal and a vertical shot of your chosen person.  See below for examples courtesy of Humans of New York.  

The STATEMENT:  Along with your portrait, submit a paragraph (less than 500 words), explaining the impact this person has made in your life.  For the very young students, 2-3 sentences is fine.  

When telling your story about your important person, try to answer these questions: 

• Why do you think this person deserves to be honored?

• How would you describe this person to someone who’s never met them?

 • What difference have they made in your life?

 • What challenges, if any, have they have helped you through?

 • What is the most important thing they’ve taught you? 

Tip: Often a story illustrates much better than a statement. Instead of saying: ‘They are kind,’ tell a story that demonstrates their kindness.  Your voice is what makes the story- submissions written with AI will not be considered.   

Selected works will need to submit a media consent form in order to have the work exhibited.