Some photographs are made to show the world something. Others are made to find something out about yourself. This exhibition is for the second kind.
SELF is a call for self portraits that go beyond likeness - images made in the act of looking at oneself honestly, uncomfortably, tenderly, or strangely.
We're looking for photographic self portraits in any style - documentary, constructed, conceptual, or experimental; work with a clear, felt point of view, not simply "photos of the artist," but images that use the self as a way of asking something larger; series or single images; and work that risks vulnerability over polish.
Awards - $1,000 Cash Awards
- First Place$500
- Second Place$250
- Third Place$150
- Two Honorable Mentions$50 each
- Human Presence AwardFree entry to a future exhibition of their choice
Cash awards are limited to one per photographer. Should a photographer's submissions be selected for multiple awards, the photographer will receive the award of greatest value only.
Selected Artists Receive
- Inclusion in the online exhibition, December 6, 2026 to February 6, 2027
- Publication in the printed exhibition catalog
- Consideration for First, Second and Third Place, two Honorable Mentions, and the Human Presence Award
How to Submit
- Open to all photographers worldwide aged 18 and over.
- Submit JPGs sized to 2100 pixels on the long side, without text, watermarks, or borders. Preferably under 4 mb.
- Name files: First Name-Last Name_Title.jpg
- Entrants grant Decagon Gallery the right to publish their photographs in the online exhibition and the printed catalog, and to promote the exhibition in social media and newsletters. Photographers retain all rights, including copyright, to their photographs.
Meet the Juror
Douglas Beasley's personal vision explores the spiritual and emotional aspects of people and place and is concerned with how the sacred is recognized and expressed in everyday life. Much of Doug's personal work is supported by grants and commissions and is widely exhibited and collected. In 2010 he had a permanent installation at the Castillo D'Albertis Cultural Museum on Sacred Places of North America. He has been published internationally and featured in numerous photo magazines such as Zoom, The Sun, B&W, PDN, Shots and PhotoVision.
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His first book Japan; A Nisei's First Encounter, offers insight into his journey to his mother's Japanese homeland. Earth Meets Spirit was published by 5 Continents Editions of Milan, Italy and is distributed internationally by Abrams. His most recent book Zen & the Art of Photography is a collection of Doug's writing. As founder and director of Vision Quest Photo Workshops, Doug provides workshops that emphasize personal expression and creative vision over the mechanics of camera use. His workshops are held at art and cultural centers across the US and around the world as well as Private Workshops at the Trade River Retreat Center, his cabin/retreat center in Northwest Wisconsin.