Decagon Gallery «SELF» 2026: $1,000 in Photography Awards for Unexpected Self-Portraits
Decagon Gallery's Spotlight photography exhibition SELF is accepting interpretations of the unexpected self-portrait until 17 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. US Eastern Time. The juror is photographer and teacher Douglas Beasley. Photographers aged 18 or over in any country may submit single photographs or sequences exploring identity beyond conventional likeness. Entry costs US$25 for up to four photographs and US$5 per additional image; its advertised cash-prize pool totals US$1,000.
What counts as an unexpected self-portrait?
The gallery seeks photographic work that goes beyond simply recording the artist's face. Documentary, staged, conceptual or experimental imagery may explore vulnerability, memory, displacement, intimacy or doubt through the photographer's relationship with themself. Strong entries should make the self a lens for wider experience. Applicants can enter standalone images or work taken from a coherent series and should pay particular attention to image rights and consent for any other people depicted. The call is not a standard headshot or commercial selfie competition.
Prizes, judging and exhibition conditions
Prize distribution is first place US$500, second US$250, third US$150, and two honourable mentions of US$50 each. A separate Human Presence Award consists of free entry to a later Decagon exhibition, not another cash award. The gallery states a photographer may receive no more than one cash prize. Selected works join an online exhibition from 6 December 2026 to 6 February 2027 and a printed catalogue. Notifications are planned for 30 November. Douglas Beasley has shown and published work about the sacred and spiritual aspects of people and places and is associated with Vision Quest Photo Workshops.
How to enter and protect your work
The published rules ask for JPEG files with 2,100 pixels on the longer side, no borders, text or watermarks, preferably under 4 MB per image. File names combine creator and title. Participants retain copyright but grant Decagon the nonexclusive use necessary to show their images in the exhibition, printed catalogue, newsletters and gallery promotion. The gallery hosts numerous juried online exhibitions with an archive of earlier events. Paying US$25 does not guarantee selection, a printed copy of the catalogue, a sale or travel funding. Confirm the final total and time zone before submitting.
Official application and organisers
Research checked 23 October 2026. Please verify deadlines, fees, licensing and entry conditions directly with the organiser before submitting.