2026 Handmade Photobook Exhibition

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 to not only 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 the second year of this unique exhibition for handmade photobooks. Unlike self-published works, this call requires the hand of the artist in the manufacture and production of the book and its contents. The juror is Caleb Cain Marcus, founder of Luminosity Lab, which develops creative strategy and design vision of publications for leading museums, universities, publishers, curators, and artists.

Entrants may submit up to three different titles that are handmade photobooks of any size, format, or style. Handmade books are not published by any online or commercial publisher, but are uniquely built by the artist. Photobooks will be juried on overall quality, judged on the basis of book design including page layouts, text, and cover; strength of the photography; and emotional impact of the overall book. All submissions must be original works of authorship created by the photographer who submits the entry. The submission fee is $45 for up to three books. The exhibition will be held June 12 through September 6, 2026, with associated receptions and artist talks to be determined. Winners will send one physical copy of the photobook to the Griffin Museum to be displayed in the Griffin Gallery. Winners will be given the option to donate the copy to the Griffin Library Collection.