National Portrait Gallery Unveils 2025 Teen Photography Competition Winners

The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has revealed the outstanding selections from its 2025 Teen Portrait Competition, showcasing 19 exceptional photographic works by young artists. This triennial event not only celebrates emerging talent but also provides a significant platform for adolescent photographers aged 13 to 17 residing in the United States and its associated territories to express their unique vision.

Among the distinguished winners are Matilda Myers from Maryland and Kate Stermer from California. Myers earned the top honor in the 13-15 age bracket with her piece, 'Rest,' which subtly navigates the complexities of gender roles by portraying a ballerina poised with a pickaxe. Stermer, the victor in the 16-17 age category, captivated judges with her black-and-white photograph, 'The Cost of Conformity,' an allegorical representation of a teenager metaphorically manipulating symbols of achievement, like cars, through marionette strings.

The competition’s rigorous selection process began with an open call that attracted over 1,100 submissions from students nationwide, including entries from Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. The initial review was conducted by the Teen Museum Council, a dedicated group of high school students from the D.C. metropolitan area. This council, actively involved in museum programming and career exploration, meticulously narrowed down the entries to 40 semi-finalists. A subsequent round of judging, involving three members of the Teen Museum Council and renowned artist Caitlin Teal Price, led to the final selection of the 19 exhibiting artists, including the two overall winners.

These 19 finalists, comprising 10 from the younger age group and 9 from the older, collectively present a multifaceted exploration of identity. Their photographs delve into various themes pertinent to adolescent life in America, such as cultural heritage, psychological well-being, and interpersonal connections, particularly within families. These compelling works will be featured in a dynamic video presentation at the National Portrait Gallery's second-floor exhibition space. This exhibition is scheduled to run from January 24, 2026, until August 30, 2026, offering visitors a profound look into the artistic minds of the next generation.

Sahtiya Hammell, the education specialist and head of teen programs at the National Portrait Gallery, emphasized the competition’s deeper significance. She remarked that the event transcends a mere talent showcase, serving instead as a powerful affirmation of youth’s capacity to critically observe, question, and reinterpret the world through the lens of art. Hammell further highlighted how the collection of diverse perspectives from young artists nationwide underscores the universal relevance of identity, visibility, and community discussions in contemporary society, fostering a rich dialogue through their creative expressions.