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What if decay was the new beauty? The Beauty in Decay 2025 by The Chateau Gallery dares photographers to explore precisely that. With a bold, conceptual theme that defies convention, this international open call challenges image-makers to confront and redefine our perception of aesthetic value. Open until June 15, 2025, the contest welcomes two-dimensional photographic works of any kind — analog, digital, alternative, or experimental — as long as the concept is rooted in photography.
The online-only exhibition will take place from July 1 to August 1, 2025, with up to 35 works selected for display on The Chateau’s online gallery. Entry costs $20 and includes up to three image submissions. Artists retain full copyright and may choose whether or not their work is for sale. Selected entries will be eligible for Curator’s Choice, Director’s Choice, and Honorable Mentions — all of which come with extended visibility and promotional perks. Some awardees will even receive fee waivers for future contests.
This thematic open call is ideal for artists interested in narrative-rich conceptual photography competitions or experimental photography awards. It can also approach the best photography competitions thanks to its intellectual depth and flexible submission format. With a rotating jury of artists and curators evaluating images blindly, the emphasis remains squarely on artistic expression.
The Beauty in Decay 2025 Prizes
The awards for Beauty in Decay 2025 are designed to recognize not just photographic skill but also conceptual boldness. Selected works will be featured in an online exhibition, and several will receive special distinctions:
- Curator’s Choice – Highlighted prominently in the exhibition and awarded three free entries into future calls.
- Director’s Choice – Also featured and rewarded with three free future entries.
- Three Honorable Mentions – Each receives one free entry for a future contest.
Certificates of Participation are available upon request. All selected entries will be exhibited on The Chateau Gallery’s website with full attribution, providing lasting online visibility and inclusion in their promotional ecosystem.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Beauty in Decay 2025
Rather than traditional genre-based categories, Beauty in Decay 2025 centers on a unifying concept: decay as a form of beauty. This makes the competition open-ended in terms of style and technique — perfect for those working in conceptual photography competitions or using non-traditional processes. As long as the image is two-dimensional and has a photographic base (analog, digital, or hybrid), it qualifies. Thematic interpretation is the main lens through which works will be judged.
Beauty in Decay 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The contest follows this timeline:
- Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
- Juror Notifications: June 27, 2025
- Exhibition Dates: July 1 – August 1, 2025
Each entry consists of up to three images for a flat fee of $20.
Multiple entries are allowed, and fee waivers are available for those experiencing hardship, economic limitations, or living in regions affected by conflict.
How to Enter:
Submit your images via the official entry form on The Chateau Gallery’s website. Files should be at least 1200px on the longest side and no smaller than 500kb. Clearly label each image file in the format: firstname_lastname_title-01.jpeg. After uploading, you’ll receive a confirmation email once your submission is complete.
About the Jury
Jurors for the Beauty in Decay 2025 are a rotating panel of curators, past exhibitors, editors, and cultural professionals. The jury process is conducted “blind” — the judges do not see artists’ names or bios, ensuring that each submission is assessed solely on its content, composition, and connection to the theme. This unbiased method supports a diverse and merit-based selection process.
Why Enter Beauty in Decay 2025?
This contest stands apart thanks to its thoughtful theme and inclusive approach. With no restrictions on year of production or size, and no limit on photographic process, it opens the door for a wide range of work. Whether you’re developing fine art photography projects or exploring mixed-media techniques, the platform values experimentation and risk-taking.
Plus, participants retain full rights over their work, while benefiting from curated online exposure and the potential for recognition. With the opportunity for fee waivers and future submission incentives, it’s a compelling entry point on any photography awards list that values innovation and concept-driven storytelling.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Beauty in Decay 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
- Open internationally to photographers aged 18 and above.
- Images must be the original work of the entrant.
- Entries may use any two-dimensional photographic method — analog, digital, or alternative processes.
- Each entry may include up to three images.
- No restrictions on image size or production year.
Copyright and Image Usage
- Photographers retain all rights to their submitted works.
- The Chateau Gallery is granted non-exclusive rights to display and promote selected images on its website, in exhibition catalogs, and on social media.
- Artists will always be credited when their work is published or displayed.
- This agreement can be revoked by the artist in writing at any time.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
