Beyond the Lens

Open call for photographers

Exhibits open during Art Walk on the 1st Friday of every month. 6pm-10pm

Gallery hours Monday through Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm

Extended Gallery Hours most Fridays until 10pm

Occasionally galleries may be closed for private events

– Please call ahead for gallery hours –

Donation Entry Fee

About the Exhibition

Photography has never been more accessible, yet truly memorable images remain as rare as ever.

Beyond the Lens is a juried exhibition celebrating the power of photography to reveal stories, evoke emotion, preserve moments, and challenge the way we see the world. Rather than focusing on a specific subject or style, this exhibition invites photographers to present the image that best represents their unique artistic voice.

Whether documentary or conceptual, portrait or landscape, abstract or architectural, film or digital, we want to see the photograph that only you could make.

This exhibition coincides with acclaimed photographer Steve Dozier’s solo exhibition, Edge of Paradise, presented in the Grand Atrium of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Together, these exhibitions celebrate both the mastery of an established photographer and the diverse perspectives of today’s photographic community.

 

Theme

There is no required subject matter.

Instead, we invite you to answer one question:

What image best represents your voice as a photographer?

Show us the photograph that speaks most powerfully about your vision, curiosity, creativity, or connection to the world.

 

Eligibility

Open to photographers of all experience levels.

All photographic styles and processes are welcome, including:

• Fine Art
• Documentary
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Wildlife
• Street Photography
• Architectural
• Abstract
• Experimental
• Film
• Digital
• Alternative Processes

Composite and digitally enhanced images are accepted, provided photography remains the primary artistic medium.

Guest Juror

We are honored to welcome Steve Dozier as Guest Juror.

Steve Dozier is an internationally recognized fine art photographer whose work explores the beauty and fragility of the natural world. His solo exhibition, Edge of Paradise, will be on view simultaneously in the Grand Atrium, offering visitors an immersive photographic experience throughout the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

Steve will serve as Guest Juror and present a special gallery talk during the Opening Reception.

Opening Night

Thursday, January 7, 2027

6:00 PM
Gallery Opens

7:10 PM
Guest Gallery Talk
“What Makes a Photograph Memorable?”
Presented by Steve Dozier

7:30 PM
Awards Presentation

Meet participating photographers, explore both exhibitions, and celebrate the opening of an inspiring month dedicated to photography.

Awards

Beyond the Lens Award

Guest Juror’s Choice
Selected by Steve Dozier

Awarded to the photograph that transcends technical excellence and leaves a lasting emotional impression. This image embodies the spirit of Beyond the Lens by revealing a perspective that only its creator could see.

 Best Black & White

Awarded to the photograph that demonstrates exceptional artistry, composition, and storytelling through the timeless language of monochrome.

Best Nature Shot

Celebrating outstanding imagery that captures the beauty, power, and wonder of the natural world.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Photography Challenge

We invite photographers to see the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in a new way. Capture its architecture, details, performances, exhibitions, visitors, or spirit through your own unique perspective. Whether literal or abstract, show us an image that reveals something we may have overlooked.

Best Portrait

Awarded to the photograph that best reveals the character, emotion, or humanity of its subject.

Best Experimental Shot

Honoring photographers who push the boundaries of the medium through innovative techniques, creative vision, or unconventional approaches.

 

Submission Requirements

Artists may submit up to three (3) photographs.

For each submission include:

• Title
• Medium / Process
• Dimensions
• Year Created
• Image (not bigger than 2mb)
• Brief artist bio (150 words maximum)

Artist Reflection

For each submitted photograph, please answer the following question in 100 words or less:

“Why did you press the shutter?”

We are interested in the story behind the image. Whether it was a fleeting moment, months of planning, an emotional connection, or simple curiosity, tell us what inspired you to make this photograph.

Selected responses may accompany the artwork during the exhibition.

Important Dates

Submission Deadline
December 28, 2026

Artwork Delivery
January 4, 2027

Opening Reception & Awards
Thursday, January 7, 2027
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Exhibition Closes
Thursday, January 28, 2027

Artwork Pick-Up
January 29, 2027

 

Entry Fee

$30 for up to three entries.

 

Artwork Specifications

• All photographs must be professionally presented and ready to hang with wire installed.
• Maximum framed size: 48 inches on the longest side.
• Work must be original and created by the submitting photographer.
• The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center reserves the right to decline artwork that differs significantly from submitted images or is not properly prepared for exhibition.
•  The use of Ai is not allowed for this exhibition.

Sales

Artwork must be  for sale. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center retains its standard gallery commission on all sales: 60% artists / 40% gallery commission. 

Beyond the Lens

Every photograph begins with a decision.

A fraction of a second.

A shift in perspective.

A story waiting to be told.

This January, share the image that only you could make, and let us discover what lies Beyond the Lens.

Submission Form Coming Soon