The Focus: Trees and Water 2025 photography contest, hosted by Black Box Gallery, is an open call for photographers worldwide to explore the powerful themes of trees and water through their lenses. This juried exhibition will feature both physical and online gallery showcases, offering selected artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in an established contemporary photography space. The theme invites creative and diverse interpretations, covering elements such as oceans, rivers, rain, mist, lakes, and snow, alongside the compositional strength of trees as central visual subjects.
The contest includes a physical exhibition at Black Box Gallery in Portland, Oregon, featuring 24 selected photographs, as well as an online gallery annex displaying an additional 30 images. A total of 54 photographs will be published in an official exhibition catalog, available for purchase. Participants benefit from free printing, matting, and framing, making this an attractive opportunity for photographers looking to gain gallery exposure without additional production costs.
The entry deadline is April 11, 2025, with the exhibition scheduled to run from May 1 to May 25, 2025. Participants must submit their entries via email, following the outlined submission guidelines. The entry fee is $40, allowing up to five photographs per submission. Selected photographers must provide high-resolution TIFF or JPEG files for professional gallery printing.
The Focus: Trees and Water 2025 Prizes
The Focus: Trees and Water 2025 real value lies in professional exposure through a curated exhibition, an online showcase, and a printed catalog.
- 24 photographs will be selected for an on-site gallery exhibition at Black Box Gallery, Portland.
- 30 additional photographs will be included in an online exhibition annex.
- All 54 photographs will be featured in a professionally printed catalog available for purchase.
- Selected photographers will have their work promoted to collectors, curators, and critics.
- Printing, matting, and framing are provided free of charge for all selected works.
This makes the contest an appealing non-monetary prize opportunity for photographers looking to build their portfolio and gain recognition in the art community.
The Categories of the Focus: Trees and Water 2025 Contest
This contest does not divide submissions into separate categories. Instead, all images must align with the central theme of “Trees and Water”. Photographers are encouraged to explore:
- The natural and artistic beauty of trees and water in different environments.
- The powerful visual contrasts between stillness and movement, light and shadow.
- The poetic and abstract qualities of water and trees in composition.
- Human interaction with nature, whether through landscapes, conservation, or urban settings.
With its broad interpretation of nature photography, this contest may also interest those searching for nature photo contests that provide exposure opportunities.
Focus: Trees and Water 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: April 11, 2025
- Notification of Selections: 7–10 days after the deadline
- Exhibition Dates: May 1–25, 2025
Entry Fee
- $40 per entry (includes up to five photos)
About the Jury
The contest will be juried by Todd Johnson, the founder and director of Black Box Gallery.
- Johnson holds an MFA in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute.
- He has served as a portfolio reviewer for Photolucida, Critical Mass, Dodho Magazine, and Blue Sky Gallery.
- His curatorial experience includes exhibitions in Portland, New York, and Washington, D.C., among others.
- His work has been showcased in galleries across the U.S. and internationally.
His extensive experience in curating and evaluating contemporary photography adds credibility to the contest, ensuring a professional selection process.
Why Enter Focus: Trees and Water 2025?
Photographers interested in gaining exhibition experience will find Focus: Trees and Water 2025 a valuable opportunity. The free gallery printing, matting, and framing eliminate production costs for selected artists, making it easier to showcase their work. Additionally, exposure through an in-person exhibition, an online gallery, and a published catalog provides lasting recognition.
While there are no cash prizes, the contest offers an accessible way for photographers to be exhibited in a respected gallery space. For those looking for international photography competitions, this contest stands out for its theme, quality of curation, and professional presentation.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Focus: Trees and Water 2025 contest has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest, we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest organizers.
Contest Rules
- The contest is open to all photographers worldwide, both amateur and professional.
- Photographers may submit up to five photographs per entry.
- Only JPEG files are accepted for initial submission (1200 pixels on the longest side, 72 PPI, max 5MB).
- Selected photographers must provide high-resolution TIFF or JPEG files for exhibition printing.
- No AI-generated images will be accepted.
- All selected photographs remain the property of the photographer.
Copyright and Image Usage
- Black Box Gallery does not claim ownership over any submitted image.
- Exhibition prints will be used solely for promotion, exhibition, and marketing.
- Photographers will be notified before any sale inquiries, and no image will be sold without prior consent.
- Black Box Gallery takes a 50% commission on sales, with the remaining 50% going to the photographer.
- After five years, unsold prints will be destroyed to protect copyright integrity.
These clear terms make Focus: Trees and Water 2025 a transparent competition, ensuring that photographers retain full rights to their work.
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