Handmade photography books transcend the digital realm, offering a tangible and deeply personal experience. They are more than mere collections of images; they are crafted narratives. The unique quality of a handmade photobook lies in its tactile nature, where texture, style, and craft converge. The selection of paper, the binding technique, and the attention to detail all contribute to a sensory, tangible object of beauty. Each page invites the viewer not only to see, but also to feel the story within. This dedication to craftsmanship elevates the photobook from a simple album to a cherished artifact, a testament to the photographer’s vision and the enduring power of physical media.

This is our second year presenting a unique exhibition dedicated to handmade photobooks. Unlike our self-published works category, this call for entry requires the direct hand of the artist in the manufacture and production of the book and its contents.

We are thrilled to have Caleb Cain Marcus, founder of Luminosity Lab, as the juror for this call. Luminosity Lab develops creative strategy and design vision for publications with leading museums, universities, publishers, curators, and artists. We look forward to seeing your work submitted for his review.

The call for entry will open February 15 and close March 30, 2026. Submissions will be held on CaFE.

The Handmade Photobook Exhibition will take place this summer, opening June 12 through September 6, 2026. Associated receptions and artist talks will be announced at a later date.

Eligibility and Details:

Entrants may submit up to three different handmade photobook titles of any size, format, or style. Handmade books are not published by an online or commercial publisher, but are uniquely built by the artist.

Photobooks will be juried on their overall quality and evaluated based on book design (including page layouts, text, and cover), strength of the photography, and the emotional impact of the complete work. All judging is at the sole discretion of the juror and the museum, and all decisions are final. Please include a biography and artist statement page with your entry. You may submit up to three books for consideration.

All submissions must be original works of authorship created by the photographer submitting the entry.

By entering, the contestant warrants that the submission does not infringe upon any third-party rights and that all necessary permissions have been obtained.

Once entered, all submissions are final; no changes or edits may be made to the book.

The fee for submission of up to three books is $45. All entries must be submitted through the CaFE portal.

Once selections are made, winners must send one physical copy of the photobook to the Griffin Museum, where it will be displayed in the Griffin Gallery from June through September 2026. Winners will have the option to donate the copy to the Griffin Library Collection for permanent inclusion.