Analog – Made by Hand by PhotoPlace Gallery is a juried exhibition that honors this deliberate craft. Hosted by PhotoPlace Gallery, this competition seeks images where the physical hand of the artist is evident. It celebrates the chemistry, the paper, and the unique imperfections that make a print a singular object.
For photographers seeking photography challenges and contests that value material engagement, this is a premier opportunity. The exhibition focuses on work rooted in hands-on practice. Whether you work with 19th-century techniques or modern analog experiments, the gallery wants to see how you use the medium to convey meaning.
The deadline for submissions is February 9, 2026. Selected works will be exhibited in the gallery’s physical space in Middlebury, Vermont, and published in a full-color exhibition catalog. With cash awards and a renowned expert as the juror, Analog – Made by Hand is a chance to have your craftsmanship recognized on an international stage.
Contents
Prizes
The awards for this Analog – Made by Hand combine financial support with significant exposure. PhotoPlace Gallery ensures that the selected works are presented professionally to a global audience.
- Juror’s Award: $300.
- Director’s Award: $200.
- Honorable Mentions: $50.
- Gallery Exhibition: Up to 35 images will be selected for the physical exhibition in Middlebury, Vermont.
- Online Gallery: An additional 40 images will be selected for permanent display on the gallery’s website.
- Catalog: All 75 selected images will be reproduced in a printed exhibition catalog.
- Promotion: Selected artists will be featured on social media with links to their portfolios.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
This exhibition does not use traditional subject-based categories. Instead, it categorizes work based on the process used. The call is open to all analog and handmade photographic methods.
Work that combines digital capture with manual interventions is also eligible if the artist’s hand is central to the final print. The focus is on experimental and historical approaches.
Dates and Entry Fees
The timeline for this exhibition is set for the spring of 2026. Artists should note the deadline for digital submission and the subsequent deadline for shipping physical prints if selected.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | February 9, 2026 |
| Prints Due at Gallery | March 20, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | April 3 – April 25, 2026 |
The entry fees are structured to allow for a portfolio review.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (up to 5 images) | $39 |
| Additional Images (each) | $6 |
How to Enter
Submissions are handled digitally. You must upload your images for the jurying process.
- Eligibility: Work must be captured using analog processes or printed using historical/handmade methods.
- Digital Prints: If selected, traditional handmade prints are strongly preferred for the exhibition. However, limited exceptions may be made for digital prints if the artist cannot ship the handmade work. In this case, the image must remain fundamentally analog in origin.
- Process: Upload your files via the PhotoPlace Gallery submission portal.
About the Jury
The juror for the Analog – Made by Hand exhibition is Christina Z. Anderson. She is a highly respected figure in the world of alternative processes. Anderson is a Professor of Photography at Montana State University and the Editor for the Contemporary Practices in Alternative Process Photography series.
She has authored six influential books on subjects ranging from experimental darkroom techniques to gum printing and cyanotype. Her deep knowledge of chemistry and craft ensures that submissions will be evaluated by an expert eye.
Why Enter Analog – Made by Hand by PhotoPlace Gallery?
Participating in Analog – Made by Hand by PhotoPlace Gallery places your work in front of one of the leading educators in the field. Christina Z. Anderson’s endorsement serves as a powerful validation of your technical skill and artistic vision. The cash prizes provide tangible support, but the real value lies in the physical exhibition.
As one of the best photography challenges to participate in for tactile art, this contest respects the object quality of the photograph. The gallery’s commitment to promoting artists through a permanent online presence and a printed catalog ensures your work continues to be seen long after the show closes.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Analog – Made by Hand by PhotoPlace 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.
The artist retains all copyrights to their own images. By entering, artists grant PhotoPlace Gallery the right to use their images for the purpose of promoting the exhibition and the gallery. This includes use on the website, in the catalog, and in marketing materials. For the physical exhibition, the gallery offers a printing service for selected artists to ensure high quality and ease of logistics. Alternatively, artists may ship their own framed or unframed prints.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
