ARE YOU READY, AREA Xers?

“The light, it’s shining out…”

SOUTHERN REACH LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

OFFICIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Area X: The Southern Reach Files (Abrams Image, 2026) will be an immersive, full-color experience unlike any other. Jeff is thrilled to be able to offer an opportunity for readers to contribute to this book. For more information on the book, please refer to this AV Club article.

The premise of the photograph detailed below is that a mind virus has gotten out into the world, via a Central hypnotic phrase that was supposed to have remained “captured” within the Southern Reach secret agency. For a time, hundreds of people have the compulsion to go to lighthouses and be photographed in front of one. Please see the specific requirements below for pose, etc.

1. Eligibility

Open to individuals worldwide, age 18 or older. Employees, contractors, and immediate family members of Jeff VanderMeer, Abrams Books (the “Publisher”), or their affiliates are not eligible. All entrants must comply with applicable laws, including rules, guidelines, and regulations at the lighthouse site.

2. Submission Period

Opens upon publication of these terms and closes at 11:59 PM EST on January 21, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged; late submissions will not be accepted.

3. How to Submit

·       Submit ONE (1) photograph via email to: areax.lighthouse at hotmail.com.

·       Include your full name, country of residence, and confirmation you are 18+.

·       Use the subject line: “Southern Reach Lighthouse Submission.”

·       By submitting, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions.

·       You may choose to receive news and updates about the forthcoming Southern Reach book, including a direct message from Jeff VanderMeer when preorders become available. This is optional and not a condition of submission.

4. Photograph Requirements

Visual

·       Subject must have a blank expression with no dramatic hand gestures (for example, preferably arms at sides).

·       Subject must be the only person in the photograph. (Wheelchairs, etc., are perfectly fine in the shot, as necessary)

·       Clothing must not display visible logos, advertisements, art, or designs.

·       A subtle retro look is fine; otherwise, clothing should not appear either identifiably contemporary or antiquarian. (The general time-period for these photos is the late 80s/early 90s)

·       Light stations around lakes are acceptable; any structure recognizable as a lighthouse (as opposed to, say, a light on a pole) should work.

·       Lighthouse must be visible in background, either close or middle distance. (Use best judgment, however, as a lighthouse in the far distance may be the best option for some lighthouses.)

Technical

·       Vertical orientation only.

·       Minimum 350 DPI resolution.

·       Full-color photographs preferred.

·       JPEG format recommended.

·       File size maximum: 10MB.

·       Photographs may be taken on film or digital cameras. (“Digital” includes smartphones, so long as the other technical requirements are met. You may not photoshop yourself into an existing photo, however.)

5. Prohibited Use of Generative AI

All submitted photographs must be original, captured by the entrant using a camera—digital or film. The use of generative AI, synthetic imagery, or AI-driven enhancement tools (including Midjourney, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, and similar systems) is strictly prohibited. Entries containing AI-generated or AI‑altered content will be disqualified at the discretion of the Author and Publisher.

6. Intellectual Property and Usage Rights

·       Rights Granted to the Author and Publisher

·       A limited, non-exclusive license to use selected photographs in the Southern Reach photography book.

·       A limited, non-exclusive license to use non-selected photographs for related digital promotion or exhibition.

·       The Author and Publisher may edit, crop, or enhance photographs solely for publication layout or design purposes.

·       Rights Retained by the Photographer

·       You retain full copyright ownership of your work.

·       All rights revert to you 24 months after book publication.

·       You may use your photograph for any purpose during and after this period.

7. Compensation

·       For photographs used in the Southern Reach book: $25 USD and one (1) complimentary copy of the book.

·       For photographs used online only: Credit attribution and one (1) complimentary copy.

·       Payments will be processed within 60 days of publication via a method determined by VanderMeer Creative, Inc.

8. Selection and Notification

·       While Jeff will try to respond to all submissions, an automated acknowledgment will be sent upon successful submission.

·       If no acknowledgment is received, resubmit your photograph.

·       Final selections will be made by Jeff VanderMeer.

·       All participants will be notified of results via email by January 31, 2026.

·       Decisions are final.

9. Participant Representations and Warranties

By entering, you confirm that:

·       You are the original creator and rights holder of the submitted photograph.

·       The photograph has not been previously published.

·       You have obtained necessary permissions from any identifiable individuals.

·       The photograph does not infringe on any third-party rights.

·       You have the right to grant the licenses described above.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

·       Personal data will be used only for administering this call for submissions and communications about the Southern Reach book. If you choose to opt in, you can ask to receive updates from Abrams Books or a direct notification from Jeff VanderMeer when preorder links are available.

·       In such cases, your data will not be sold or shared and will be managed in compliance with privacy laws including GDPR (for EU residents).

11. Limitation of Liability

The liability of VanderMeer Creative, Inc., the Publisher, and their representatives is limited to the compensation stated above. They are not responsible for technical failures, lost submissions, or issues beyond reasonable control.

12. General Terms

·       No purchase necessary to submit.

·       Void where prohibited by law.

·       This call for submissions may be modified or canceled if insufficient entries are received.

·       These terms are governed by the laws of New York, USA.

·       Neither the Author nor the Publisher are obligated to answer individual queries about submission requirements.

·       Use your best judgment if any requirement appears unclear.

13. Announcement of Selected Photographs

Chosen participants will be notified via email and may be featured on Jeff VanderMeer’s channels and Abrams Books’ website and social media.