Light & Shadow by Solas / Shadow is built around a simple idea that can completely change how an image feels. What happens when illumination becomes the subject, and darkness does the storytelling? This open call from SOLAS / SHADOW is inviting photographers to submit work for the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, with a submission deadline of 15th February 2026.
The theme, Light and Shadow, is intentionally broad, covering everything from natural light and artificial glow to symbolic or conceptual uses of darkness. Submissions are free, and photographers can send up to five JPG images via a file transfer link to the gallery’s submissions email. Just if a photographer is selected for the exhibition, a participation fee applies, depending on how many images are chosen. Anyone building a list of photography competitions for the coming months may find this call a practical addition.
Selected participants will have work displayed in an online gallery on the SOLAS / SHADOW website, and the gallery also notes planned features across its social media and YouTube channel, plus inclusion in an exhibition catalogue.
Prizes
Light & Shadow by Solas / Shadow centers its prizes on exhibition :
- Selected participants:
- Work displayed in an online gallery hosted on the SOLAS / SHADOW website.
- Digital certificate of participation.
- Featured on the gallery’s social media channels.
- Featured on the gallery’s YouTube channel.
- Included in an Exhibition Catalogue (PDF and physical).
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
The Light & Shadow by Solas / Shadow open call does not list separate categories. It focuses on a single theme, Light and Shadow, and asks for photographic works that explore the expressive, symbolic, or conceptual possibilities of light and darkness, whether through natural light, artificial illumination, or more interpretive approaches.
Dates and Entry Fees
This call separates the act of submitting from the costs that apply only if a photographer is selected for the exhibition.
| Submission deadline | 15th February 2026 |
| Payment deadline (if selected) | TBC 2026 |
- Submission fee: Free to submit.
- Participation fee (if selected):
- £16 for 1 image.
- £22 for 2 or more images.
How to Enter
Photographers submit by sending a file transfer link (for example via Smash, Swiss Transfer, or WeTransfer) by email. Up to 5 images may be submitted per open call. Files should be in JPG format and named with the photographer’s name plus a number (for example, Ann-Smith1, Ann-Smith2). The submission message should include the photographer’s name and surname, location and/or nationality, social media and/or website links, a short bio (no more than a couple of sentences), and image titles if applicable.
Why Enter Light & Shadow by Solas / Shadow?
Light & Shadow by Solas / Shadow is structured for photographers who want a clear theme and a defined exhibition pathway. The call is direct about what happens next. Submitting is free, selection leads to an online gallery presentation on the organizer’s website, and selected work is also slated for promotion through the gallery’s social platforms and YouTube channel. Inclusion in both a PDF and physical exhibition catalogue may matter to photographers building a record of published appearances, especially when the submitted work already reads as a coherent series.
It can also function as a practical option for photographers comparing deadlines and formats across our best photography competitions to enter. With no category restrictions and a theme that fits many styles, the main decision point is simple: whether the photographer is comfortable with the participation fee that applies only if the work is selected.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Light & Shadow by Solas / Shadow has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
Submissions are open to photographers worldwide who are 18 years of age or older. Photographers may submit up to 5 images per open call. Submitted files should be in JPG format and follow the requested filename format so images can be matched to the correct participant. The organizer notes that only selected photographers will be notified.
Copyright and Image Usage
Artists retain the copyright to their submitted works. By submitting, artists grant permission for the gallery to use the submitted image(s) to promote the exhibition, display the work on the SOLAS / SHADOW website, include the work on social media, and use the images in advertising, promotional materials, and publications connected to the exhibition.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
