Panopticon Gallery is now accepting submissions for First Look 2026, our annual juried portfolio showcase celebrating the art of photographic storytelling.

This exhibition invites photographers to present cohesive bodies of work that reflect a distinct point of view, technical excellence, and conceptual depth.

Selected artists will be invited to exhibit their work at Panopticon Gallery and engage with a community of collectors, curators, and peers who champion the photographic arts.

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.