SELF — self portraits that go beyond likeness

Decagon Gallery invites photographers worldwide to submit self portraits that explore more than likeness for an online exhibition juried by Douglas Beasley. Documentary, constructed, conceptual, and experimental approaches are welcome, including series or single images that use the self to ask something larger. The exhibition runs December 6, 2026–February 6, 2027, with cash prizes and a first-place solo exhibition on the gallery website.

Photographic self portraits that go beyond likeness, exploring the self honestly, uncomfortably, tenderly, or strangely.

Open to photographers worldwide; all photographic processes and styles welcome. Submit 1–10 pieces; maximum 2 entries per artist. Entry costs $25 for up to 4 photographs, plus $5 for each additional photograph. The submission requirements list JPG and PNG as accepted file types, with a maximum size of 50MB per image; the instructions specifically request JPGs sized to 2100 pixels on the long side, preferably under 4 MB, without text, watermarks, or borders. Name files First Name-Last Name_Title.jpg. Photographers retain all rights, including copyright. Applicants grant Decagon Gallery permission to publish their photographs in the online exhibition and exhibition catalog and to promote the exhibition in social media and newsletters; photographs will not be distributed to anyone without permission. Awards: First Place, $500 plus a solo exhibition on the gallery website; Second Place, $250; Third Place, $150; Two Honorable Mentions: $50; Human Presence award, free entry to a future exhibition.