Black Box Gallery - Framed: Shadow and Light Open Call

• Black Box Gallery

• Deadline: October 9th, 2026

• Category: Shadow and Light

• Prize: Exhibition in Portland (USA) + Sales

• Entry Fees: Yes

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Black Box Gallery is pleased to announce a juried group photography exhibition exploring the theme of Shadow and Light. At the heart of photography lies the relationship between darkness and illumination: the ways in which light reveals, conceals, defines and transforms the subjects within an image. Through this exhibition, the gallery seeks to explore how contemporary photographers use these fundamental visual elements to create atmosphere, structure, contrast and meaning.

Shadows play an essential role in photographic composition. They can establish relationships between different elements within an image, emphasize form and shape, create depth and dimension, and introduce a sense of mystery or ambiguity. At the same time, the quality, direction and intensity of light influence how subjects are perceived, creating subtle variations in tone, texture and atmosphere. The interaction between shadow and light can therefore become both a technical and expressive tool for the photographer.

Throughout the history of photography, artists have explored this relationship in many different ways. Dramatic shadows and strong contrasts have been particularly influential in black-and-white photography, where variations between light and darkness can create powerful graphic compositions. In colour photography, photographers have also explored softer, more atmospheric approaches, using ethereal shadows, subtle textures and nuanced changes in light to evoke mood and emotion.

For this exhibition, Black Box Gallery is seeking a diverse range of contemporary photographic approaches to the theme. Selected works may interpret shadow and light through abstraction, portraiture, landscape, architecture, street photography, still life or other photographic practices. The exhibition will highlight the many ways these essential elements can be transformed into compelling visual experiences.