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The passage of time leaves behind a quiet trail of abandonment—places, objects, and memories that slip from the collective consciousness. Exploring this poignant reality, the Forgotten by A Smith Gallery open call invites visual artists to document the erased and the bygone. Hosted by a dedicated photographic arts center in Johnson City, Texas, this international initiative provides a thoughtful digital platform for creators to showcase narratives of neglect and loss. Among the many international opportunities featured on our photo contest calendar, this event stands out for its profound thematic challenge and its commitment to prestigious editorial archiving.
Closing on July 6, 2026, the competition welcomes submissions from photographers of all levels and ages worldwide. The organizers focus heavily on elevating the selected talent through a professionally curated online exhibition and the creation of a limited edition fine art book. By maintaining a straightforward entry process and relying on an expert juror to assess the emotional weight of the imagery, the gallery ensures a high standard of visual storytelling. It stands as a curated opportunity for artists eager to expand their digital footprint and secure meaningful publication credits.
Prizes
The rewards for this Forgotten by A Smith Gallery open call focus heavily on digital gallery representation, premium editorial archiving, and direct promotional support. The organizers aim to provide a comprehensive exhibition package that elevates the artist’s professional profile.
- Online Exhibition: Up to 47 selected images will be featured in a month-long online exhibition hosted on the A Smith Gallery website.
- Exhibition Catalogue: All 47 accepted images will be compiled into an official exhibition catalogue, which will be made available for purchase, providing a valuable publication credit.
- “The 27” Fine Art Book: From the pool of accepted entries, 27 standout images will be selected for inclusion in “The 27,” a limited edition hardbound fine art book celebrating the exhibition.
- Juror and Director Awards: The top photographers selected for these specific honors will each receive a complimentary copy of the limited edition hardbound book, alongside the prestige of an online solo exhibition.
- Visitors’ Award: A $100 cash prize will be awarded to the image that garners the most likes on the gallery’s Instagram account, encouraging community engagement.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
The Forgotten by A Smith Gallery not divide entries into separate technical classifications like documentary or fine art, the entire event is governed by a single, definitive curatorial focus: Forgotten.
The gallery invites a sweeping interpretation of this theme. Acceptable subjects range from abandoned buildings and deserted landscapes to intimate studies of lost memories and discarded objects. The curators are looking for visual narratives that explore concepts of the bygone, the neglected, and the vanished. This makes the call a perfect fit for creators engaged in deep conceptual work, stark black and white imagery, or authentic architecture documentation focusing on urban decay.
Dates and Entry Fees
The gallery has established a clear, concise timeline for this specific exhibition, utilizing a straightforward pricing structure based on the number of images submitted.
| Submission Deadline | July 6, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | July 31 – September 10, 2026 |
The financial requirements are structured to support the gallery’s operational and curatorial efforts:
- Standard Entry: $40 for the submission of up to five images.
- Additional Images: $5 for each additional image beyond the initial five.
How to Enter
Submissions are processed directly through the A Smith Gallery digital portal. Participants must upload their files in JPEG format. To ensure the best possible presentation for the juror, images should be sized at 1200 pixels on the longest side and saved at 72 dpi.
About the Jury
To ensure a high standard of evaluation, the submissions for this specific call will be judged by Ann Mitchell. She is a respected photographer, educator, and the editor of the online publication “Thinking About Photography.” Her extensive background in both creating and analyzing visual arts ensures that the selected images will be assessed on their narrative depth, thematic relevance, and technical execution.
Why Enter Forgotten by A Smith Gallery?
Securing a place in a professionally curated online gallery provides a distinct advantage for visual creators looking to build their digital authority. The Forgotten by A Smith Gallery welcomes participants of all ages from any location, it serves as a highly accessible entry point into international photography contests.
The gallery’s commitment to producing a limited edition hardbound fine art book ensures that the recognition translates into a lasting physical archive, a rarity for primarily digital exhibitions. Furthermore, the inclusion of a community-driven Visitors’ Award provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with a global audience on social media. For creatives evaluating the best photo contests to enter this season, the combination of digital gallery representation, premium publication, and a deeply emotional theme makes this open call a strategic addition to an exhibition resume.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Forgotten by A Smith 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
The competition is open to all photographers worldwide, regardless of age or professional status. Participants may submit an unlimited number of images, provided the appropriate entry fees are paid. All submitted artworks must be the original creation of the entrant and must respond to the specific theme of the exhibition.
Copyright and Image Usage
While the provided brief outlines the core exhibition logistics and publication details, comprehensive information regarding the long-term retention of copyrights and specific image licensing terms are managed under the gallery’s official guidelines. Typically, participants retain the copyright to their work, granting A Smith Gallery the necessary licenses to utilize the images for promotional, educational, and exhibition purposes related to the specific call. Entrants are strongly encouraged to consult the full terms and conditions on the official portal to understand exactly how their imagery will be handled and credited.
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For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
