Human Body by Decagon Gallery invites photographers to explore this landscape of flesh and bone by looking beyond the surface to capture the universal truths of being alive. Whether through the texture of skin, the tension of a muscle, or the quiet dignity of a portrait, this exhibition seeks images that speak a language of their own.
As you navigate through the trending photo challenges online, this call stands out for its accessibility and the caliber of its curation. Hosted by Decagon Gallery, an online platform dedicated to contemporary photography, the competition offers a low barrier to entry with fees starting at just $5. It is an invitation to bring your finest work forward, whether it captures decisive moments or refined craft, for a chance to win cash awards and a solo exhibition. The deadline to submit your work is January 31, 2026.
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Prizes
The Decagon Gallery has allocated a total prize pool of $1,000 to recognize the top three photographers. The First Place winner receives a Solo Online Exhibition, providing a dedicated space to showcase a broader body of work. Additionally, all selected photographers are featured in a professionally designed exhibition catalog (available in print and digital) and a YouTube video showcase.
The specific prizes are distributed as follows:
- First Place: $500 cash award and a Solo Online Exhibition.
- Second Place: $300 cash award.
- Third Place: $200 cash award.
- Juror’s Awards and Honorable Mentions: Special recognition for outstanding entries.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
This competition revolves around a single, central theme: Human Body. There are no rigid sub-categories, which allows for a vast range of interpretations. The organizers explicitly welcome diverse genres and approaches, provided the photograph demonstrates a high level of artistic and technical excellence.
Photographers can submit intimate portrait entries that reveal the emotional depth of the subject, or artistic nude photography submissions that celebrate form and line. Whether your work is traditional or experimental, if it explores the human form, it fits this open theme photo contest.
Dates and Entry Fees
Key Dates:
| Submission Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | February 20, 2026 |
| Exhibition Launch | February 20 — April 20, 2026 |
Entry Costs:
- Single Image: $5.
- 2 to 4 Images: $25 total.
- Additional Images: $4 each (after the first 4).
- Bonus: Enter 8 images and get 2 more free (up to 10 total).
How to Enter:
Submissions are accepted digitally through the Decagon Gallery website. Files must be JPEGs with a minimum size of 2100 pixels on the longest side and a maximum file size of 4MB each. 300 dpi is accepted. It is important to title each file with your name and the image title (e.g., Name_Title.jpg). Since the process is entirely online, there are no shipping hassles involved.
About the Jury
The juror for this exhibition is Lynn Bianchi, a renowned fine art photographer and multimedia artist based in New York City. Her work has been exhibited in major museums worldwide, including the Brooklyn Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography. Known for merging photography and video to create meditative reflections, her expertise ensures that submissions will be reviewed with a keen eye for artistic depth and innovation.
Why Enter Human Body by Decagon Gallery?
It is rare to find current photo contests that offer genuine value for such a low entry fee. Starting at just $5, this competition is accessible to everyone, from students to seasoned professionals. The opportunity to have your work reviewed by a juror of Lynn Bianchi’s stature is invaluable in itself.
Furthermore, the promotional package for winners is solid. The inclusion in a professionally designed exhibition catalog provides a tangible record of your achievement, while the online exhibition and YouTube video ensure global reach. This is a chance to have your work seen, celebrated, and potentially acquired, without the logistical headaches and costs of physical framing and shipping.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Human Body by Decagon Gallery has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage:
Artists retain full copyright of their images. By submitting, you grant Decagon Gallery a license to use the images specifically for the exhibition and marketing purposes related to the gallery. This ensures that while the gallery can promote your work, you maintain ownership and control over your creations.
Eligibility:
The call is open to photographers worldwide. There are no specific restrictions on background or experience level.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
