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Apply to Be Ranked in Tampa

Apply Once. We Review Every Quarter.

Tell us about your studio and the specialties you shoot. Each quarter we score every applicant against the studios already ranked, and the top 10 in each specialty get the 2026 award. Every application is reviewed by hand, and not every studio is approved.

Review Calendar

Q1Review starts January 1Rankings and awards update January 15
Q2Review starts April 1Rankings and awards update April 15
Q3Review starts July 1Rankings and awards update July 15
Q4Review starts October 1Rankings and awards update October 15

Applications received after a review starts roll into the next quarter.

How Reviews Work

The Same Scorecard as Every Ranked Studio

01

Client Reviews

Your Google rating and review count. We read the reviews, not just the stars.

02

Portfolio in That Specialty

A full gallery for each specialty you apply for. A few one-off shoots won't place you on a list.

03

Based in Tampa Bay

A studio or home base here and regular local sessions.

Before You Apply

Every Application Is Reviewed. Not Everyone Is Approved.

We review every application by hand. We read your reviews, look through each gallery, and check that you're based in the Tampa area and working here regularly. Each list only has room for ten studios, so most applicants aren't ranked the first time, including many talented photographers.

If you're not approved this quarter, please don't take it personally. It isn't a verdict on your work. Scores change as you add reviews and build your portfolio in a specialty, and you stay in the pool. We re-score you every quarter automatically, so there's no need to reapply.

Reviewed by handReal people look at every gallery and review.
Ten per specialtyLists are capped, so the bar is high.
Re-scored every quarterNot now doesn't mean not ever.

Photographer Application

Tell Us About Your Studio

Takes about five minutes. We email you when it's received, and again with your results after the quarterly review.

Specialties you shoot
Confirmation

Photographer Directory FAQ

Before You Apply

Does it cost anything to apply or be ranked?

No. Applying, being reviewed and being ranked are free. Featured placement is a separate paid option and never changes a rank.

Can I apply for more than one specialty?

Yes. Tick every specialty you shoot regularly and add a gallery for each. Each one is scored on its own list.

What if I am not approved this quarter?

Please don’t be discouraged. Most studios aren’t ranked the first time, because each list only has ten spots. You stay in the pool and we re-score you every quarter automatically, so more reviews and a stronger portfolio in your specialty can move you onto a list.

Do I have to be based in Tampa?

Your studio needs to be in Tampa Bay and shoot here regularly. Out-of-town studios that travel in are not ranked.

I am already on a list. Do I need to apply?

No. Claim your listing instead to update your photos and download your award.