The AnalogueNOW “Under the Rug” 2025 Open Call invites analogue photographers worldwide to participate in a group exhibition at Fotogalerie Friedrichshain in Berlin. This year’s theme challenges artists to explore hidden, overlooked, or suppressed aspects of life, bringing untold stories to light through film photography, darkroom processes, or other hands-on analogue techniques.
This exhibition-based competition provides a valuable platform for analogue photographers to gain international recognition, engage with Berlin’s vibrant photography community, and exhibit in a prestigious gallery. Selected works will be showcased from May 24 to June 27, 2025, with an opening reception on May 23, 2025.
Photographers can submit up to 15 images, ensuring that their work aligns with the theme of revealing what is hidden beneath the surface. The early bird deadline is February 3, 2025 (€7 per project), and the final deadline is March 12, 2025 (€12 per project). Selected participants will be announced on April 9, 2025.
For photographers passionate about film photography competitions, this is a rare opportunity to showcase their work in an exhibition dedicated to analogue photography’s contemporary relevance and artistic potential. The non-profit organization AnalogueNOW is well-known for its commitment to preserving and promoting film photography, making this a unique opportunity for emerging and mid-career artists.
The AnalogueNOW “Under the Rug” 2025 it’s an important opportunity for photographers looking to build their artistic profile and connect with the international analogue photography community. Whether you work in documentary, conceptual, or fine art photography, this competition provides a space to challenge conventions and bring hidden narratives to the surface.
The AnalogueNOW “Under the Rug” Prizes
Under the Rug focuses on exhibiting selected works. The prize is the exhibition itself—a curated group show at Fotogalerie Friedrichshain, one of Berlin’s most respected photography galleries.
Being selected for this exhibition offers:
- Increased visibility within the analogue photography community
- Opportunities to connect with curators, gallery owners, and fellow artists
- Potential for press coverage and further collaborations
For analogue photographers, the chance to exhibit in Berlin—a city with a thriving photographic scene—can open doors to future projects, networking, and professional growth.
The Categories of the AnalogueNOW “Under the Rug”
This contest does not include separate categories. Instead, all submissions must align with the overarching theme: exploring what is hidden, ignored, or deliberately concealed. Photographers may take a documentary, conceptual, or personal approach, as long as their work utilizes analogue or hybrid photography techniques.
AnalogueNOW “Under the Rug” Dates and Entry Fees
Key Dates:
- Early Bird Deadline: February 3, 2025 (€7 fee)
- Final Submission Deadline: March 12, 2025 (€12 fee)
- Notification of Selected Artists: April 9, 2025
- Exhibition Dates: May 24 – June 27, 2025
- Opening Reception (Vernissage): May 23, 2025
Entry Fees:
- Early Bird Submission (before February 3, 2025): €7 per project
- Regular Submission Fee (after February 3, 2025): €12 per project
All submission fees directly support the exhibition and artist fees, ensuring fair compensation for participating photographers.
Why Enter AnalogueNOW “Under the Rug”?
While some might prioritize best online photography contests for digital exposure, this competition offers something more tangible: a physical exhibition in a renowned gallery. It’s an opportunity to go beyond the screen and present your work in a real-world setting, where analogue photography is truly appreciated. The contest’s theme encourages artists to dig deeper into unspoken narratives, forgotten histories, and personal or cultural taboos, making it a powerful creative challenge.
Additionally, analogue photography remains a vital and evolving art form, and participating in exhibitions like this helps sustain its relevance. AnalogueNOW is known for fostering a strong community, and inclusion in this exhibition could lead to future projects, networking opportunities, and artistic growth.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
