More than 500 entries were accepted from nearly 100 photographers at the annual Juried Student Photography Exhibition.

All entrants in the contest are City students. The entries are divided into three  categories: commercial and portraiture, fine art and open, and portfolio. The portfolios contain 8 to 12 photographs united by a common theme.

Dave Eichinger, a City photography professor, stated that this year featured “a record number of entries.”

“We are all really impressed with the quality and the range of the work submitted,” said City photography professor N. David King.

The winners of the contest will be chosen by Richard Billick, a photo lab technician from Cal State Los Angeles, and Daniel Harris, a photography teacher at Poway High School.

Cash prizes will be awarded along with prizes contributed from local merchants and sponsors.

The show is sponsored by several photography retailers such as Nelson Photo, George’s Camera, Freestyle Photo, NIK Software and more. Last year nearly $5,000 worth of prizes were given out.

According to the judges, the quality of the work has been as good or better than photography they’ve seen come from four-year schools.

The opening reception for the exhibition will take place May 11 at the Luxe Gallery located on the fifth floor of the V-building from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The artwork will be shown at the gallery throughout the summer.

The gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.