The Taking Pictures: 2025 photography contest, hosted by Portland’s Black Box Gallery, invites photographers worldwide to submit their work for a juried group exhibition. This open-themed competition welcomes all genres, styles, and perspectives, including landscape, portraiture, street photography, conceptual projects, and more. With no restrictions on subject matter, the contest encourages creativity and diversity, offering a platform for both amateur and professional photographers to showcase their best work.
Selected participants will have their photographs exhibited in Black Box Gallery’s physical space in Portland, Oregon, from April 1–25, 2025, or featured in the gallery’s online annex. A total of 54 images will be chosen—24 for the in-person show and 30 for the digital gallery. All selected works will also appear in a printed catalog available for purchase. The gallery covers printing, matting, and framing costs, ensuring professional presentation at no additional expense to participants.
The entry fee is $40 per submission (up to five images), with a deadline of March 12, 2025. While there are no cash prizes, the value lies in exposure: artists gain visibility through exhibitions, promotional efforts, and potential sales. The Taking Pictures: 2025 is ideal for photographers seeking credible exhibition opportunities and professional recognition without thematic constraints.
The Taking Pictures: 2025 by Black Box Gallery Prizes
The Taking Pictures: 2025 contest focuses on visibility and professional growth rather than monetary rewards. Selected photographers receive:
- Physical Exhibition: 24 images displayed at Black Box Gallery, printed and framed by the gallery.
- Online Gallery Feature: 30 additional images showcased in the gallery’s digital annex.
- Printed Catalog: All 54 selected works included in a Blurb Books catalog, available for purchase.
- Sales Opportunity: Exhibited prints remain in the gallery’s flat file for five years, available for sale with a 50% commission to the artist.
These prizes emphasize long-term exposure, offering photographers a chance to connect with collectors and curators in a respected gallery space.
Taking Pictures: 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Key Dates:
- Submission Deadline: March 12, 2025
- Notification Date: 7–10 days after the deadline
- Exhibition Dates: April 1–25, 2025
Entry Fees:
- $40 per submission (includes up to five images).
About the Jury
Submissions will be juried by Todd Johnson, founder of Black Box Gallery and an experienced curator with over 25 years in arts administration. Johnson’s background includes portfolio reviews for organizations like Photolucida and exhibitions at venues such as the Diego Rivera Gallery in San Francisco. His expertise ensures a fair selection process focused on technical skill and creative vision.
Why Enter the Taking Pictures: 2025 Contest?
This Taking Pictures: 2025 is close to the best photography contests to enter for its emphasis on creative freedom and professional exposure. The open theme allows photographers to submit their strongest work, regardless of genre, while the gallery’s commitment to free printing and framing removes financial barriers to high-quality presentation.
Exhibiting in a physical gallery enhances credibility, particularly for emerging artists, and the online annex extends reach to a global audience. The printed catalog serves as a tangible portfolio piece, and potential sales offer a pathway to monetize work. For photographers prioritizing visibility over cash prizes, this contest is a strategic opportunity.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
