There is a unique power in stripping away color to reveal the raw architecture of an image. The Black, White, & Monochrome by SE Center for Photography competition is a tribute to this timeless aesthetic. Organized by the respected SE Center for Photography in Greenville, South Carolina, this exhibition invites artists to explore the full spectrum of tonal values ranging from stark contrasts to subtle shades of grey, sepia, or cyanotype. It is not just about the absence of color but the presence of light, form, and texture.
For those looking to participate in photography challenges that value artistic integrity, this is a prime opportunity. The deadline to submit your monochrome masterpieces is January 4, 2026, so photographers should start curating their best work immediately. This black and white contest is open to all genres and styles as it welcomes everything from traditional silver gelatin prints to modern digital compositions. Curated by the knowledgeable Michael Pannier, the selected works will be displayed in a physical gallery exhibition to offer tangible recognition for your craft.
Contents
Prizes
The primary focus of the Black, White, & Monochrome by SE Center for Photography is the exhibition itself. Selected photographers will have their work printed, framed, and displayed in the SE Center’s gallery space for a month-long show. This provides a professional platform to present your work to collectors and art lovers without the usual logistical headaches.
The specific benefits include:
- Gallery Exhibition: Up to 40 images will be selected for the physical exhibition in Greenville, SC.
- Online Exhibition: An additional 35-40 images will be chosen for a dedicated online gallery show.
- Production Support: The SE Center covers the cost of matting and framing for the exhibition at no extra charge to the artist.
- Social Media Promotion: Featured artists will be promoted across the center’s social media channels.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
This Black, White, & Monochrome by SE Center for Photography operates as a true open theme photo contest within the monochrome spectrum. There are no rigid sub-categories to limit your creativity. Instead, the organizers invite a wide range of interpretations.
Dates and Entry Fees
The submission window closes in early January so photographers should use the holiday season to curate their best black and white work.
Key Dates:
| Submission Deadline | January 4, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | February 6 – February 28, 2026 |
| Reception | February 6, 2026 (6:00 – 8:00 PM) |
Entry Costs:
- Entry Fee: $35 for up to 5 images.
- Additional Images: $6 for each extra image up to a total of 15.
- Members: SE Center members receive a discount (e.g., $25 for 5 images).
How to Enter:
Submissions are managed through the Smarter Entry system linked on the SE Center website. Entrants must create an account and upload their images. Files should be JPEGs sized to 1200 pixels on the longest side with a resolution of 72 dpi. Color space should be sRGB. It is crucial to follow the naming convention if specified although the upload system generally handles this. Ensure your images are strictly monochrome as color images will not be accepted.
About the Jury
The juror for this exhibition is Michael Pannier. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the SE Center for Photography. With a deep passion for the photographic arts and years of experience as a gallerist and curator, Michael has a keen eye for compelling imagery. His background ensures that the selection process will be guided by a respect for both technical skill and artistic vision.
Why Enter Black, White, & Monochrome by SE Center for Photography?
For photographers who work seriously with monochrome, Black, White, & Monochrome by SE Center for Photography provides a focused context in which black and white imagery is not competing with color work. The brief is simple, yet flexible, which leaves room for classic approaches and more experimental visions in the same show. It occupies a distinct place beside other black and white exhibitions and calls.
The exhibition format is practical as well as visible. A curated selection of 35 to 40 works appears in a dedicated virtual gallery, supported by social media posts, an archived slideshow, and a video walkthrough. Any sales that emerge from this visibility go directly to the artist, since the SE Center does not take a commission on transactions. For many photographers, that combination of reach and control is as relevant as traditional prize structures often seen in other international photography contests.
From a planning point of view, the timing of the call early in the year makes it easy to integrate this submission into a broader schedule of best photography challenges online. The inclusive eligibility criteria and the absence of status based restrictions keep the focus on the strength of the images themselves, which suits photographers who want their monochrome work judged primarily on visual and conceptual merit.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Black, White, & Monochrome by SE Center for Photography has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage:
Photographers retain full copyright of their images at all times. By entering, you grant the SE Center for Photography a non-exclusive license to use the submitted images for the purpose of promoting the exhibition and the gallery. This includes usage on the website, social media, and in press releases. The gallery will not sell your work without your permission.
Eligibility:
The competition is open to photographers of all levels and locations. Images must be monochrome (black and white, sepia, cyanotype, etc.). Work that has been previously selected for a juried exhibition at the SE Center is not eligible. AI-generated images are not explicitly mentioned but the focus is on photographic art.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
