Shadows by Carlotta Gallery is one of those open calls that can quietly change what a photographer does next, not because it asks for a trendy style, but because it asks for a sharper way of seeing. The theme is “Shadows”. Not as a simple lighting effect, but as a tool for meaning, tension, and ambiguity. Submissions close on March 20, 2026, and the call is open to photographers worldwide.
Selected work is presented as a virtual online exhibition, with added deliverables that matter for visibility and documentation. Participants receive a free PDF exhibition catalogue and a certificate of recognition, and the gallery commits to featuring selected images across its social channels. Work is also kept online in a lasting way, including a permanent presence on the gallery’s Instagram and a feature on the site’s Artists page. For photographers tracking opportunities in our photo contest calendar, this call stands out as a themed exhibition route. There is no fee to apply, which makes it easy to submit work already in progress. If selected for the exhibition, a participation fee applies depending on how many images are showcased.
Prizes
The value of Shadows by Carlotta Gallery is in exhibition placement and the long tail of online visibility, backed by documentation and promotion.
Selected photographers receive:
- Inclusion of one or more photographs in a virtual online exhibition.
- A free PDF copy of the exhibition catalogue.
- A certificate of recognition.
- Social media features through posts and stories, plus a permanent upload on the gallery’s Instagram account.
- A permanent feature on the gallery’s Artists page, alongside the photographer’s biography and artist statement.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
This open call does not list separate categories. The entire submission is organised around a single theme, “Shadows”. The gallery’s framing places shadows in both a physical and conceptual context.
Dates and Entry Fees
Below are the key deadlines and costs for Shadows by Carlotta Gallery 2026, as presented by the organiser.
Submission deadline: March 20, 2026.
Entry fees:
- Application fee: free of charge to submit.
- Participation fee (only if selected for exhibition):
- £20 for one showcased artwork.
- £30 for two.
- £35 for three.
How to Enter
Applications are submitted by email.
Up to three images may be submitted per open call. Files should be sent in JPG format.
The email should include the photographer’s name and surname, Instagram handle, a short biography, and an artist statement. For each submitted artwork, include details such as title, year of creation, and a price in GBP if applicable.
Why Enter Shadows by Carlotta Gallery?
Shadows by Carlotta Gallery offers a clear, exhibition-focused pathway for photographers who want their work presented as part of a curated theme. The structure is built around online display and durable visibility, including a virtual exhibition presentation, a catalogue document, and ongoing platform placement via the gallery’s Instagram and Artists page. The fact that applications are free lowers the barrier to entry, while the participation fee is only triggered by selection, which makes the process feel closer to an exhibition submission model than a pay-to-enter awards circuit.
It can also suit photographers developing bodies of work where light and absence are part of the idea, especially those exploring ambiguity, symbolism, or mood. For readers comparing opportunities alongside the best online photography awards, this call sits in a different lane. It is less about ranking and more about being placed in a themed presentation with supporting materials. That makes it relevant for photographers building a public track record in fine art photography and concept-led exhibitions.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Shadows by Carlotta Gallery 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
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
The call is open to photographers worldwide.
Submissions are made by email, and each applicant may submit up to three JPG images for this open call.
If selected for exhibition, a participation fee applies based on how many artworks are showcased.
Copyright and Image Usage
Artists retain the copyright to submitted works.
By submitting, artists grant permission for the work to be displayed online as part of the exhibition and used for promotional materials connected to the exhibition.
The organiser states that this permission includes use on Instagram, Artplacer, and the Carlotta Gallery website.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
