ABOUT FIRST LOOK 2025

Every photograph tells a story. When presented as part of a cohesive body of work, each image contributes to a broader narrative—offering depth, context, and meaning beyond what a single frame can convey. A portfolio allows photographers to explore the complexities of their subjects and provide context that gives a richness and meaning that is more than the sum of its parts.

Panopticon Gallery is pleased to announce our annual call for art for First Look 2026, a juried portfolio exhibition showcasing selected photographic series on view from February through April 2026. Artists are invited to submit ten images from a singular body of work for consideration. Approximately five images from each selected portfolio will be chosen for inclusion in the exhibition.

Now a cornerstone of Panopticon Gallery’s programming, First Look provides an invaluable platform for both emerging and established photographers to share their work with new audiences and expand their reach within the photographic community. Beyond the exhibition itself, First Look serves as an important way for our curatorial team to discover new voices and connect with artists whose work may be considered for future group and solo exhibitions at Panopticon Gallery. This annual showcase offers photographers the opportunity to present a cohesive body of work in a professional gallery setting—creating visibility, fostering lasting relationships, and supporting the continued growth of their artistic careers

additional exhibition opportunity:

FIRST LOOK — A second glance, on The Wall gallery at Panopticon Gallery

In addition to the main First Look 2026 exhibition, Panopticon Gallery will present First Look: A Second Glance—an additional exhibition that runs in tandem with First Look, highlighting singular images from submitted portfolios that resonated with our curatorial team. This allows us to showcase a broader range of compelling photographic voices and provide artists with another opportunity to share their vision with gallery audiences.

Selected works from A Second Glance will be featured on The Wall at Panopticon Gallery, our rotating exhibition space dedicated to smaller-scale and unframed photographs. Located just outside the main gallery, The Wall offers an accessible and engaging platform for artists and viewers through rotating group and solo presentations. Following the close of this exhibition, prints from A Second Glance are added to the gallery’s flat files, where they remain available for viewing and acquisition by collectors and gallery patrons.

Through First Look: A Second Glance and The Wall, Panopticon Gallery is able to extend visibility and connection for artists, highlight the depth and diversity of contemporary photography, and provide meaningful opportunities for growth within the artistic community.

Submission Instructions:

Deadline:
Submit now through December 29th 2025 11:59pm EST
We highly encourage early submissions, as selected portfolios will be highlighted on social media throughout the open call period.

Submission:
Submit the following to submission@panopticongallery.com with “First Look 2026” in the subject line:
-Up to 10 images from a cohesive body of work
-Artist/Project Statement
-A link to your website and/or social media
-How you heard about this call

* Images should be in JPEG format, sRBG color space, no less than 1024 pixels on the long side and no more than 1500 pixels. Please name your files: LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg (example: Smith_Jane_Reflections.jpg) If your files are not named correctly, you run the risk of not having your work viewed. We don’t want this to happen, so please make sure everything is right!

Submission Fee:
Submission fee must be paid in order for your work to be juried. This fee helps support year-round programming at Panopticon Gallery. We ask that your payment name/email matches your submission information. If this is not possible, please include the name/email that made payment in your submission email so we can verify your submission.

Submission Fee: $40 per portfolio
Student Submission Fee: $30 per portfolio (please include a valid student ID)

Submission fee can be paid through the following link:

Additional questions? Please read our First Look FAQ page.

Calendar:

First Look 2026: February — April 2026

December 29th: Submission deadline
February 6th: Artwork must arrive at gallery
February 12th: Show opens/Opening Reception
April 27th : Show closes

Exhibition Information:

-Approximately 5 pieces from each selected artist will be selected for the exhibition. Curators will work with selected artists to determine the ideal dimensions of each piece to best fit the space. Due to the gallery space, most pieces should be framed to approximately 20 x 24

-Printing/Framing: Accepted work can be sent to Panopticon Imaging, who will work with artists to handle all printing and framing needs, as well as complimentary delivery to the Panopticon Gallery. Selected artists will receive a 20% discount when printing and framing at Panopticon Imaging. More information is available here

Sales: Panopticon Gallery retains a 50% commission on works sold.

Copyright: Artists retain all copyrights to their own images. Artists whose work is chosen for exhibition grant Panopticon Gallery permission to use images for promoting the exhibition, artist, or Panopticon Gallery’s programs. Images may be published on social media for promotion and features. Artists grant usage as stated without further compensation.

Please read our First Look FAQ page for further information

SELECT PRESS FOR PREVIOUS FIRST LOOK EXHIBITIONS