Questions, minus the institutional fog machine.
Everything artists usually want to know before submitting: what TCG Gallery is, how exhibitions are selected, why file sizes matter, what submission fees actually cover, and what happens if your work is accepted.
What is TCG Gallery?
TCG Gallery is an independent online photography gallery dedicated to contemporary photographic work, open calls, curated exhibitions, and artist features.
We are not a museum, university, corporate platform, or giant institution pretending to be scrappy. TCG is operated by a small team with limited resources and a serious commitment to giving photographers a clean, professional place to show work.
Is TCG Gallery only for photography?
Yes. TCG Gallery focuses on photography and lens-based work. This can include traditional photography, digital photography, documentary work, conceptual photography, staged images, experimental processes, and mixed photographic methods.
Who can submit?
Unless a specific call says otherwise, photographers and lens-based artists at all career stages are welcome to submit. Emerging, mid-career, self-taught, independent, and established artists are all eligible.
Do I need gallery representation or an art degree?
No. TCG does not require gallery representation, an MFA, a long CV, or institutional permission to take your work seriously. Strong images, clear intent, and a meaningful connection to the theme matter more.
How are exhibitions selected?
Submissions are reviewed for image quality, originality, relevance to the theme, visual impact, and how the work contributes to the final exhibition as a whole.
A strong image may still not be selected if it does not fit the final rhythm, pacing, or direction of a specific exhibition. That is not a death sentence. It is curation.
What makes a strong submission?
A strong submission usually includes carefully selected images, accurate artwork information, a concise artist statement, and a clear relationship to the exhibition theme.
The work does not need to be obvious or literal. Some of the strongest submissions approach a theme sideways, poetically, emotionally, or unexpectedly.
Can I submit older or previously exhibited work?
Usually, yes. Unless a call specifically says otherwise, older work and previously exhibited or published work may be submitted, as long as you still hold the necessary rights to display the image.
Do I have to match the theme literally?
No. TCG welcomes broad, poetic, conceptual, documentary, and experimental interpretations of exhibition themes. The work should connect to the theme, but it does not need to illustrate it like a vocabulary worksheet.
What file type and size should I submit?
Follow the file specifications listed in the individual call. In most cases, artists should submit web-ready JPEG files rather than giant full-resolution print files.
File size matters. Oversized files can fail during upload, slow down third-party submission platforms, create review issues, increase storage burden, and make the process worse for everyone. TCG does not need massive print files at the first submission stage. If a larger file is needed after acceptance, we will request it.
Why is there a submission fee?
Submission fees help cover the real operating costs of running the gallery: website hosting, submission platforms, payment processing, email systems, software, advertising, file management, design, and administrative time.
Submission fees do not generate meaningful profit. They barely help offset the cost of keeping the platform alive. TCG is independent and does not have major institutional support underwriting the work behind the scenes.
Does paying a fee guarantee acceptance?
No. Submission fees do not guarantee acceptance. All submissions are reviewed through the same curatorial process.
Are submission fees refundable?
Submission fees are generally non-refundable unless a specific call states otherwise. Fees cover the administrative cost of receiving, organizing, reviewing, and managing submissions regardless of the final selection outcome.
Do artists keep copyright?
Yes. Artists retain copyright to their work.
By submitting, artists grant TCG Gallery permission to display selected work as part of the exhibition and to use accepted images for related promotion, including the website, social media, email announcements, and exhibition materials. Copyright remains with the artist.
Can work be listed for sale?
Yes, when applicable. Artists are responsible for providing accurate pricing, edition information, availability, and sales details. Sales terms may vary by exhibition and will be stated in the individual call or communicated with accepted artists.
Can I share the exhibition?
Absolutely. Accepted artists are encouraged to share the exhibition link, announcement graphics, and published materials. Tag TCG Gallery when posting so we can support and reshare when possible.
How will I know if I am accepted?
Notification details are listed in each call. Accepted artists are usually contacted by email, so make sure your email address is accurate and check spam or promotions folders around the notification date.
What happens after acceptance?
Accepted artists may be asked to confirm artwork details, submit a larger image file if needed, provide a short bio or statement, confirm sales information, and review how the work will appear online.
Will every artist receive feedback?
Unfortunately, no. Due to submission volume and the small size of the TCG team, individual feedback is not always possible.
Not being selected does not necessarily mean the work was weak. Many good submissions cannot be included because of space, theme, pacing, or curatorial fit.
Can I submit again if I was not accepted before?
Yes. Artists are encouraged to submit again. Curatorial direction changes from one theme to another, and work that is not selected for one exhibition may be a strong fit for a future call.