Call for Work
A Black Perspective:
Celebrating the Voice & Vision
Juror: Arnika Dawkins
Entry Deadline: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Notice of Acceptance: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Exhibition Dates: Thursday, May 21 – June 19, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Closing Reception: Friday, June 19, 2026
918 Lady St., Columbia, SC - 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Perspective is more than the angle from which we see; it is the personal lens through which we interpret the world.
In photography, perspective shapes composition, depth, and meaning — it determines not only what is captured but how it is seen. For Black photographers, perspective often carries a deep significance: it reflects the lived experiences, cultural legacies, and social realities of being African American in a country still reckoning with its history of race and identity.
The Black Perspective is not a single story, but a cacophony of voices, visions, and vantage points — radiant with strength, humor, faith, love, pride, creativity, survival, and enduring continuity. This perspective seeks to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, to provide a platform for self-expression and a deeper understanding of black identity.
PhotoSC invites Black photographers to submit work that offers a unique perspective — one that challenges assumptions, reclaims narratives, and celebrates both the everyday and extraordinary aspects of Black life.
Submissions may explore all aspects, styles and genres of photography to include alternative practice and collage. Themes such as resilience, heritage, joy, struggle, innovation, form, beauty, and community are welcome.
Consider not just what is seen, but too often overlooked and unseen.
Submit your work
Arnika Dawkins is a fine art photographer, a passionate collector and the founder of the Arnika Dawkins Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Arnika Dawkins Gallery is a singular voice in the world of fine art photography, offering a dynamic space dedicated to the work of emerging and established artists, with a distinct focus on images by African Americans and of African Americans. As a part of her mission to expose people to African American photographic imagery, her gallery is personally and professionally committed to ‘championing work that is visually striking, intellectually engaging, and emotionally resonant.’
In 2020, the Griffin Museum recognized Dawkins’ energetic contributions to the photographic community with its Rising Star FOCUS Award. Located in southwest Atlanta, the Arnika Dawkin’s Gallery celebrates diverse narratives through the power of photography.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Photographers are invited to submit works to ‘A Black Perspective,” and may submit up to five (5) works for $35.00. The call for submissions is from March 8, 2026 to April 18, 2026.
Please Note: No AI-generated imagery will be accepted.
Accepted artists will be notified by April 28, 2026. Works accepted must be printed no smaller than 8x10” and no larger than 16x20”, framed and ready for hanging. Works must arrive no later than May 16, 2026. The exhibition will open at 918 Lady Street, Columbia, SC in the Vista on May 21, 2026 with the opening reception the same evening and a closing reception on June 19, 2026.
Sales. PhotoSC encourages sales during the exhibition. The commission is the standard 40/60 percentage of the sale price. If a print is sold it will be ordered from the photographer at the time of sale.
Copyright. Photographers/Artists retain the copyright to their work. If work is selected for the exhibition, the Photographer/Artist grants PhotoSC the right to use said work for the promotion of the photographer/artist, the photography show and PhotoSC across all media platforms. Usage of work is as stated without further compensation.