For the second year in a row, we invite the community to join us in honoring the sacrifice, connection, and strength of our service members. Whether you share your vision by submitting your photos or power the mission by becoming a sponsor, your involvement makes this exhibition possible.
Photo: Flying Tigers, Courtesy of Jan Roby
Exploring military life through photography
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) invites the community to participate in our second annual “The Soldier’s Lens,” a curated exhibition showcasing the original perspectives of active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, and their families. In it’s second year, the exhibition will continue to explore the diverse experiences of military life, from moments of intensity to everyday routines. Submissions are free and open to the public.
Chosen submissions will be selected by a panel of judges knowledgeable in art and military service. Selected works will be featured in a group exhibition at FMoPA in November 2026.
The exhibition honors the intersection of photography and military service, aiming to raise awareness of veterans’ experiences while generating support for both FMoPA and veterans’ causes.
What photographers and their families can expect
Selected submissions will be featured in a group exhibition at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and will receive the following:
- Group exhibition of their work at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in November 2026
- Inclusion in the exhibition’s online gallery on the FMoPA website
About FMoPA
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts brings world-class photography to life. As a hub for both historic and contemporary photographic art, we showcase influential national and international artists while enriching our community through creative educational programs for all.
Timeline
- August 30, 2026: Submissions Close
- To be announced: Winning submissions will be notified
- November 5, 2026: Opening Reception
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November 5, 2025 – January 10, 2026: Exhibition Dates
- By submitting an entry, each participant agrees to the terms of the exhibition and confirms they are 18 years of age or older, or have the permission of a parent or legal guardian if under 18. You retain all rights to your photograph; however, by submitting, you grant the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA), and those authorized by FMoPA, a royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce, and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed. This includes, but is not limited to, use for exhibition, promotional purposes, publication, educational programming, and other museum-related initiatives. Any reproduced photograph will include credit to the photographer where feasible. FMoPA will not be required to pay any additional compensation or seek further approval in connection with these uses.
All participants agree to hold FMoPA, and its directors, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers (the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising out of their participation in the submission process. The Indemnified Parties are not responsible for incomplete, misdirected, or late entries; technical failures; or any issues beyond their control. Entrants are solely responsible for the content and originality of their submissions.
The exhibition is void where prohibited or restricted by law. FMoPA reserves the right to cancel or modify the exhibition process or these terms at its sole discretion. FMoPA also reserves the right to disqualify any submission it deems inappropriate or in violation of these terms.
Any questions?
Please feel free to contact us by sending an email to exhibitions@fmopa.org, or give us a call us at +1 813-221 2222.
Sponsorship
This exhibition is presented by Tampa Medical Research District, Celestar, Tom and Dixie Arthur, Jim and Celia Ferman, Vistra, Amalie Oil, CI Interiors, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
For inquiries, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Clara ten Berge FMoPA executive director, at ClaratenBerge@fmopa.org or call 813-221-2222
FMoPA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization | EIN# 59-3737687
Photos: 1. Christopher Tam, Firefighters Water Spray, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, 2013 2. Vanessa Hoyos Orrego, Two Women, Kuwait, 2020 3. Glenn R. Hoover, Mail Call, Vietnam, 1968
Support
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, FMoPA relies on community support to continue showcasing and preserving photographic art.
For inquiries, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out.
Your support is vital to our mission.
Contact
If you have questions about the project or its terms, please email Alexis Muellner, our board chair.
For assistance or inquiries about submissions, please reach out to Jodie Katzeff.
alexismuellner1@gmail.com | (786)205-3680
Jodie: exhibitions@fmopa.org
Visit Us
FMoPA collects, preserves, and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists