Composed 2026

PhotoPlace Gallery and Texas Photographic Society invite photographers to submit work for Composed, an exhibition celebrating the art of photographic composition, juried by Brian Finke. Every photograph is the result of a series of creative decisions. Whether carefully constructed or captured in an instant, composition shapes the way we experience an image, guiding the eye, creating relationships, establishing rhythm, and transforming a moment into something memorable.

We welcome photographs where composition is fundamental to the image's impact. Images may explore framing, perspective, light, color, geometry, gesture, visual rhythm, negative space, layering, and the many ways photographers organize the visual world within the frame. All photographic genres and processes are encouraged, and all photographers from across the United States and around the world are invited to participate.

Deadline for submissions: Aug 3, 2026
Juror: Brian Finke
Prints due @ PhotoPlace: Sep 18, 2026
Exhibition: October 2 - October 31, 2026

PhotoPlace Gallery and Texas Photographic Society invite photographers to submit work for Composed, a juried exhibition celebrating the art of photographic composition. Every photograph is the result of a series of creative decisions. Whether carefully constructed or captured in an instant, composition shapes the way we experience an image, guiding the eye, creating relationships, establishing rhythm, and transforming a moment into something memorable.

We welcome photographs where composition is fundamental to the image's impact. Images may explore framing, perspective, light, color, geometry, gesture, visual rhythm, negative space, layering, and the many ways photographers organize the visual world within the frame. All photographic genres and processes are encouraged. We invite photographers from across the United States and around the world to share work that reflects a distinctive visual voice and a compelling command of the frame.

IF YOUR WORK IS SELECTED

Juror Brian Finke will select up to 35 images for exhibition in PhotoPlace Gallery in Middlebury, Vermont, along with approximately 40 images for the Online Gallery.

All selected artists receive:

• Inclusion in the exhibition catalog
• Permanent placement in the PhotoPlace Gallery and Texas Photographic Society online archives
• Promotion through PhotoPlace Gallery's and Texas Photographic Society's marketing channels
• Eligibility for exhibition awards

Online Gallery selections receive the same catalog inclusion, permanent online archive, and promotional opportunities as Exhibition Gallery selections.

AWARDS:

Juror’s Award $500
Director’s Award $300
Honorable Mention $100 x2

IMPORTANT DATES

• Call for Entry Opens: July 7, 2026
• Submission Deadline: August 3, 2026
• Juror Selections Announced: August 18, 2026
• Print Deadline (Exhibition Gallery): September 18, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: October 2–31, 2026
• Opening Reception: October 2, 2026 | 4:00–7:00 PM

New to PhotoPlace Gallery?

Learn more about:

• Submission Guidelines
• Preparing to Exhibit
• Printing and Display Services
• Shipping Your Work

Find out more about PhotoPlace Gallery here, and make sure to sign up for their newsletter.

ABOUT THE JUROR: BRIAN FINKE

Brian Finke's visual cultural commentary focuses on authenticity and the absurdity of everyday life and the range of human behavior. A stylized documentarian and trained photojournalist, Finke’s honesty and intimacy when capturing subjects strike at the core of contemporary life, with a uniquely American point of context and graphic sensibility.

Often with boundary pushing subject matter, Finke challenges the viewer to confront what is often right in front of them, with an almost surreal understanding of immediacy, time, and place. From street photography to commercial portraiture to fashion editorials, His immersion in culture at large creates imagery that is deeply tied to the political and emotional undertones of the modern world. 

In his career, Finke has published eight books on subjects ranging from cheerleaders to flight attendants and U.S. Marshals. He has garnered acclaim for his candid portrayal of American subcultures and earned recognition from esteemed publications and through nominations for the International Center for Photography's Infinity Award and the receipt of a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship. 

With a diverse portfolio spanning editorial and commercial realms, Finke's photographs have graced the pages of prominent publications, including National Geographic, The New York Times, M Magazine and The New Yorker. Additionally, his work is featured in museum collections across the United States and abroad, cementing his status as a notable figure in contemporary photography. Finke also guest teaches at institutions such as the International Center of Photography in Manhattan and FotoFilmic in Vancouver.

A native of Texas now residing between Brooklyn and West Texas. His next monograph Bike Life will be released by Blurring Books, Summer 2026.

See his website here, or follow him on Instagram.

ENTRY FEE and TPS MEMBERSHIP

All entries are processed through the CaFE submission site. The entry fee for current TPS Members is $30 for 5 images, plus $5 for each additional image. The Non-Member entry fee is $40 for 5 images, plus $5 for each additional image. You do not have to be a member of TPS to enter. However, if you enter the competition and join TPS or renew as a member at the same time, you can pay the reduced current TPS Member entry fee of $30.

You may enter up to 12 images.

Learn more about the Texas Photographic Society here, and make sure to sign up for their newsletter.

TPS Member Benefits include member feature opportunities via our Members' Gallery, Member Spotlight, Special Presentations, Members' News, Members' Instagram Takeover, social media accounts and E-Zine, discounted entry fees to most TPS competitions, and discounts to programs and services offered through our partnerships.

If you are not sure of your TPS member status, please contact TPS at cpireland@texasphoto.org. All entry and membership fees are non-refundable.

ELIGIBILITY

Composed is open to artists internationally, of all levels, who are at least 18 years old at time of entry. Works exhibited previously in a TPS or PhotoPlace show are not eligible. Current members of the TPS Board of Directors are permitted to enter but are not eligible for awards.