CALL FOR ENTRIES

Edge of the Pacific: Bay Perspectives

April 24 - May 17, 2026

From the foggy piers of San Francisco to the industrial silhouettes of the East Bay, the Pacific Ocean defines the character of our Bay Area communities.

We are seeking evocative photography that captures the unique spirit, ecology, and atmosphere of the Northern California shoreline. Whether you are inspired by rugged coastal conservation, the impact of urban communities, or quiet moments of life along the estuary, we want to see your perspective.

Photo: “Shore Line” by Nick Winkworth

THE EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY

This is a rare chance to showcase your work in a truly historic setting. Selected photographs will be exhibited alongside the U.S. Premiere of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, placing local artistry alongside a stunning exhibition of world-class photography from some of the best photographers, ocean explorers and conservationists from around the world.

Images will be displayed inside one of the historic hangar buildings at Alameda Point – the former home of the Alameda Naval Air Station – from April 24-May 17. In addition to the hours open to the public, the exhibition space will also be used to host talks by marine conservationists, photography organizations, local school visits, ocean-inspired music, and more.

SELECTION PRINTING & GALLERY CURATORS

As well as providing printing for the main Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, Bay Photo Lab will professionally print the 20 images selected for “Edge Of The Pacific: Bay Perspectives.” After the show, these prints will remain the property of the selected artists.

  • Gallery Selection: 20 images will be professionally printed by Bay Photo Lab and mounted for physical display in the exhibition.

  • Digital Showcase: An additional 30 images will be selected for a high-definition video installation at the event and featured in our online gallery.

Bay Photo Lab is one of the nation’s leading professional printing labs, nestled amongst the iconic redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains. This year marks an exciting milestone as the company celebrates 50 years of excellence in the photo industry.

Known for its high-quality, innovative photo products, Bay Photo Lab partners closely with professional photographers to bring their creative visions to life. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Bay Photo has earned certification through the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility and responsible business practices.

Exhibit Co-Curators:

Jan Watten

Jan is an active analog fine art photographer and founder of Gray Loft Gallery, an alternative art gallery showcasing emerging and established artists in the Jingletown neighborhood of Oakland, CA. She has a BFA in Photography and Certificate in Gallery Management from the California College of the Arts. Jan serves on the board of The Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, CA.

Nick Winkworth

Nick is a fine art photographer based in the Bay Area for over 25 years. His work has been exhibited in contemporary photography galleries in cities across the United States. He is currently Vice President of the The Bay Area Photographers Collective (BAPC) - a nonprofit group of 25–30 professional fine art photographers dedicated to developing artistic excellence through community. Nick is also Board President for West End Arts District, the exhibition host.

Ready to share your vision of the Bay?

THEMES TO EXPLORE

We encourage photographers to interpret "Edge of the Pacific" broadly. Potential subjects include:

  • Ecology & Transition: Tidal marshes, salt ponds, and the wildlife of the Pacific flyway.

  • Coastal Atmosphere: The unique interplay of light, marine layer, and architecture.

  • Maritime Industry: From the busy Port of Oakland, Alameda’s rich naval history to our thriving fishing and tourism businesses.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Submission is open to all photographers, from hobbyists to professionals. Images must have been taken within the San Francisco Bay Area or along the immediate Northern California coastline.  AI generated images are not eligible.

IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS

Before you submit images, make sure you have a high resolution file(s) available suitable for professional printing in the event that your image is selected. We suggest minimum is 3600 pixels longest side.

 For your initial submission, please upload lower resolution versions of your images to meet these specifications:

  • File format: Save all images as JPEG. Dimensions: Maximum 1200 pixels on the longest side.

  • File naming: Name each image file with your first and last name, the first two words of the title, and the entry number as shown on the application form. Example:   EdwardWeston-Ocean_Waves-01.jpg

  • Please do not place a watermark on the images.

  • Use the form HERE to upload your images.

If your image is selected, we will request a high resolution file for printing.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Applications must be received by March 10, 2026, 11:59pm PST.

FEE INFORMATION

  • A non-refundable entry fee is required with each application. The fee is $25 for up to 3 images. Additional images are $10 each, up to a maximum of 5.

  • After uploading your images, please pay the entry fee using PayPal or Venmo using the link HERE.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Submissions Close:  March 10, 2026, 11:59pm PST 

  • Artist Notification:  March 22, 2026

  • High Resolution Images Received:  March 29, 2026

  • Exhibition Opening:  April 24, 2026

  • Opening Reception for “Ocean Photographer Of The Year”:  April 24, 2026

  • Opening Reception for “Edge Of The Pacific”:  May 1, 2026

Questions?
bayperspectives@westendartsdistrict.org

APPLY HERE

BAY PERSPECTIVES GALLERY HOSTS

OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION HOSTS