Theme: Everything is Ephemeral

Ephemere is thrilled to announce a special opportunity for visual storytellers: a call for photo essays to be featured in the upcoming Ephemere Journal: Printed Edition.

This publication, set to launch in 2025, is still in its early construction, but we are excited to begin curating works that align with this year’s central theme: Everything is Ephemeral.

Why “Everything is Ephemeral”?
At the heart of Ephemere lies the idea that all things are fleeting. Photography captures the transient, preserving moments that would otherwise slip away. It reflects the impermanence of life and celebrates the beauty of the here and now. This theme, central to our platform and ethos, also speaks to photography’s unique role in shaping how we remember what is temporary.

Through this open call, we seek stories that explore ephemerality in profound ways—whether it's through the lens of personal journeys, societal shifts, the passage of time, or nature’s ever-changing landscapes.

Paid Submissions Only
This opportunity is uniquely catered to photographers whose works tell cohesive stories. Unlike our usual open calls, which feature single images, this call focuses on photo essays of multiple images. To ensure the highest quality curation, we will be accepting paid submissions only, and selecting just 3 to 5 outstanding works.

Perks for Paid Submissions:

If selected, your work will be exclusively featured across 6 to 8 pages in Ephemere Journal.
Receive a free printed copy of the journal upon release.
Your profile and project will also be highlighted in the digital journal.

Fees:

$200 per submission (20 to 25 images).
Fees are non-refundable, but no additional charges apply if selected.

Submission Timeline:

The deadline for submissions is one month from this announcement.
The journal is slated for publication and launch within 2025.

What We’re Looking For:

Photo Essays: A cohesive series of 5–12 images forming a narrative or thematic arc.
Accompanying Text: Optional, but encouraged, to enrich the story and provide context.
Interpretation of the Theme: Creative, thoughtful works that explore or challenge the idea of ephemerality.

How to Submit:

Format: High-resolution JPEGs (300dpi), with an optional artist statement or essay.
Submit to: [Insert submission email or platform link]

Submission Details

Format: Submit 20–25 images that form a cohesive narrative or story.
Fee: $200 per submission.
Deadline: One month from the announcement date.

Important Notes

Fees are non-refundable.
If selected, your work will be exclusively featured on 6–8 pages of the printed journal.
You’ll receive a free copy of the journal as part of the perks.
No additional fees will be required if selected.

Why Paid Submissions?
Unlike our usual open calls that cater to both free and paid tiers, this Special Open Call focuses exclusively on paid submissions. This approach allows us to carefully curate portfolios and ensure the highest quality for this special feature.

Perks of Participation

Exclusive feature in the printed journal (6–8 pages).
Complimentary copy of the Ephemere Journal.
The prestige of being part of a curated and highly selective publication that embodies Ephemere’s ethos.

This is a unique opportunity to share your story with an audience that values the power of visual storytelling. We can’t wait to see how you interpret the fleeting beauty of life through your lens.

Ephemere Journal: Special Open Call for Photo Essays
Theme: Everything is Ephemeral

Ephemere is thrilled to announce a Special Open Call for photo essays to be featured in the inaugural printed edition of the Ephemere Journal, set for release in 2025. This edition will highlight a curated selection of 3 to 5 exceptional photo essays that resonate with the theme “Everything is Ephemeral.”

Why “Everything is Ephemeral”?
At the heart of Ephemere lies the belief that all things are fleeting. Photography, as a medium, captures the transient, preserving moments that would otherwise slip away. It reflects life’s impermanence and celebrates the beauty of the here and now—offering a way to hold onto what is temporary.

This theme is central to our platform and ethos, underscoring photography’s unique power to shape how we remember and interpret the fleeting. Through this Special Open Call, we invite photo essays that explore ephemerality in profound and poetic ways—whether through personal journeys, societal transformations, the passage of time, or nature’s ever-changing landscapes.

Submission Details

Format: Submit 20–25 images that form a cohesive narrative or story.
Fee: $200 per submission.
Deadline: One month from the announcement date.

Important Notes

Fees are non-refundable.
If selected, your work will be exclusively featured on 6–8 pages of the printed journal.
You’ll receive a free copy of the journal as part of the perks.
No additional fees will be required if selected.

Funds collected from paid submissions directly support the Ephemere team and cover printing costs for this special edition. Your contributions help us bring this vision to life while showcasing your work in a meaningful way.

Free Submission Option
To ensure inclusivity, we are offering a limited number of free submission slots to applicants from eligible countries. This initiative supports creators from underrepresented regions where financial barriers might otherwise prevent participation.

Eligible countries include but are not limited to: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, and Zambia.

If you qualify and would like to apply for a free submission slot:

Email us at [your email address] with the subject line Free Submission Request.
Include a brief explanation of your project and your location.
We will review and respond promptly.

Free slots are limited, so please apply early.

Why Paid Submissions?
Unlike our usual open calls that cater to both free and paid tiers, this Special Open Call focuses primarily on paid submissions. This approach allows us to carefully curate portfolios and ensure the highest quality for this special feature.

Perks of Participation

Exclusive feature in the printed journal (6–8 pages).
Complimentary copy of the Ephemere Journal.
The prestige of being part of a curated and highly selective publication that embodies Ephemere’s ethos.

This is a unique opportunity to share your story with an audience that values the power of visual storytelling. We can’t wait to see how you interpret the fleeting beauty of life through your lens.

Key Contributors: