SHOTS Magazine #172 — The Human Figure

SHOTS Magazine is a black-and-white photography quarterly that has been in print since 1986 — long-running among indie B&W publications. The 2026 fall issue is #172, themed The Human Figure.

The brief leaves room: human figure does not need to be literal. The selection welcomes interpretations that bend or abstract the figure rather than restricting to traditional portraiture or nudes.

The publication is process-restricted: black-and-white only. Submitted color files are converted to grayscale on receipt — applicants should consider how their work translates rather than assume color information will carry.

All processes, formats, and experience levels are welcome. All submitting artists receive a complimentary copy of the issue regardless of selection — a small but meaningful gesture for a paid-subscription publication.

Initial selection is by editor Elizabeth Flinsch, with publisher Douglas Beasley involved. Submission is through the SHOTS website with up to 8 grayscale images at 300 ppi. Submission is free for current and renewing subscribers; $25 for non-subscribers ($28 international). The 2026 deadline is June 1.