Submissions open!

Issue 13

With the invention of the Kodak camera in 1888 photography became a democratic art accessible to anyone. Suddenly, the world was flooded with ordinary photographs of everyday life and subjects taken by amateur photographers. Historically, these “vernacular” photographs have been separated from “fine art” photographs. At Pamplemousse, we believe that a snapshot is more than just a document, it’s a deeply artistic record that chronicles cultural, aesthetic, and narrative value. As theorized by photographer John Szarkowski, the fine art and functional traditions of photography are intimately intertwined.

For Issue 13, we explore the intersection of these two realms. We have curated a selection of found photographs from another era, and we are looking for contemporary analog projects that draw direct inspiration from these everyday artifacts. 

“Vernacular photo-objects can be read not only as sensual and creative artefacts but also as thoughtful, even provocative meditations on the nature of photography in general.” 

- Geoffrey Batchen

Vernacular Photographies, History of Photography, Volume 24, Number 3, Autumn 2000

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NEIGHBORHOOD.JPG
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gator.JPG
building.JPG
farmhouse.JPG
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airplane.JPG
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What We Are Looking For

We are looking for contemporary film photography projects inspired by our curated selection of found vernacular photos. Your interpretation can be literal (based on composition, technique, colors) or conceptual (based on the perceived theme, emotion, memory, or story).

When submitting your project, consider:

  • What emotion does this image evoke? How does it make YOU feel?

  • What story is the photographer trying to tell?

  • What does the photo reveal about the subjects or the time period?

  • Does the image tell YOU anything about the photographer? 

  • How do the found photos relate to the themes you explore in your own work?

IMPORTANT: We are NOT accepting submissions of found/archival photos. We are exclusively looking for contemporary analog projects inspired by the provided source material.

Submission Guidelines

  • The Work: Submit 10–15 images of a cohesive body of work inspired by ONE of the provided inspiration photos (above). This should be a clearly defined project, not a random selection of unrelated images. We are accepting work that is in-progress, but it must be a cohesive project.

  • The Medium: FILM ONLY (35mm, 120, large format, polaroid/instant, or alt-process).

  • The Statement: Include a short project description (100–300 words). Explain your thesis/idea, why you chose your specific analog medium, and which found photo served as your inspiration (and why).

Submission Instructions:

  • Review the inspiration images and guidelines

  • Make sure your images:

    • Are original film/analog images

    • Are JPG files, 300dpi, no larger than 10MB each

      (exact pixel dimensions don’t matter, we need medium to high res JPGs for print, ideally 300dpi at around 8x10”) 

    • Named: FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME__01, FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_02, etc.

    • Please make sure images are clean of scratches, dust or other artifacts, unless that is an important part of the composition.

Note: We do accept images that have been digitally edited. As long as the image began with an analog process, it can be considered. We try to avoid overly digitally manipulated images, but understand that some editing/color correcting etc. may be necessary.  

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MAY 17TH, 2026 AT 9PM PST/MIDNIGHT EST

This is a free and public call for submissions. Please email hello@pamplemoussemagazine.com with any questions. Please review the guidelines and instructions carefully. Submissions sent via email will not be considered.

FAQ

  • What is an open call?

    An open call is the opportunity for anyone to submit creative work and be considered for publication, regardless of experience level. Whether you just picked up a film camera for the first time, have been pursuing photography as a hobby for years, or are a professional photographer, we love to see your work! It allows us to source compelling images from the community, and provide a platform for artists to see their work in print.

  • How often are the open calls?

    open calls are announced a few months before an issue is released. Join our mailing list and/or follow us on Instagram to hear about opportunities.

  • Is there a way to be reminded when open calls are happening?

    Yes! Please subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.

  • Does it cost money to submit?

    No! Submission to our open call is free.

  • How many photos can I submit?

    Each open call has guidelines specific to the upcoming issue. Sometimes we ask for one photo, sometimes we accept more than one. Please review the guidelines carefully before sending in your submission!

  • Can I submit digital photos or AI?

    No. While we appreciate digital photography, our magazine is focused on contemporary film photography and analog processes.

  • What if I use digital software to alter my image?

    We don’t mind if you use Photoshop/Lightroom to remove dust or blemishes, or do anything else you would be capable of doing in the darkroom (contrast, color correcting etc.). We are not interested in digital illustration. We are only interested in images created using analog processes.

  • How many submissions do you publish?

    We typically publish 10-15 submissions per issue. 

  • Do accepted artists get paid?

    Unfortunately, due to budget constraints we are unable to offer compensation to contributing artists at this time. 

  • What are you looking for? How can I improve my chances of being accepted?

    What we look for depends on the theme and creative direction for each issue. On a basic and technical level, we are looking for original, well-composed, film-based images that will make an impact in print. Any submission should also fit the theme of the open call.

  • My submission was rejected. Why?

    Our editorial team reviews every submission carefully, and we often have a hard time choosing between so many high-quality images. Submissions that we enjoy but aren’t able to publish are often featured on our social media. Please keep in mind that art is subjective, and we are focused on curating what’s appropriate for each specific issue. If your photo wasn’t chosen, it just wasn’t the right fit for us at this time.

  • still have questions?

    Please email us at community@pamplemoussemagazine.com