The Red by Decagon Gallery competition challenges photographers to look beyond the obvious symbolism of this powerful hue. Instead of treating red as a spectacle, this contest seeks images where the color functions as a personal presence: a thread that weaves through the visual narrative of daily life.
Hosted by the Decagon Gallery, an online venue dedicated to contemporary photography, this call for entries is a fantastic opportunity for artists to exhibit their work globally without the hassle of shipping prints. If you are browsing for photo contests that offer a low barrier to entry and meaningful feedback, this exhibition is a perfect fit. The gallery is looking for work where red emerges naturally from the photographer’s experience, whether it dominates the frame or exists as a subtle trace.
The deadline to submit is February 28, 2026. Open to all genres, this competition offers cash awards and the coveted prize of a solo online exhibition. It is time to explore your archives or capture something new that answers the question: what does red mean to you?
Contents
The Red by Decagon Gallery Prizes
The prize pool for this Red by Decagon Gallery competition is designed to support photographers financially while providing significant professional visibility. The total cash purse is $1,000, distributed among the top three winners.
- First Place:
The winner will receive $500. In addition to the cash prize, the First Place photographer will be awarded a Solo Online Exhibition, a major career milestone that provides a dedicated platform for their portfolio. - Second Place:
The runner-up will receive a cash award of $300. - Third Place:
The third-place photographer will receive $200. - Additional Recognition:
Juror’s Awards and Honorable Mentions will also be selected. All award winners, including Honorable Mentions, will receive a free exhibition catalog. Furthermore, every photograph selected for the exhibition will include curatorial notes, offering valuable professional feedback.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
There is one central theme for this contest: Red. However, the interpretation of this theme is wide open. The organizers are not looking for clichés, they want images where the color is personal, intentional, and restrained.
Dates and Entry Fees
The timeline for this Red by Decagon Gallery is concise, with the exhibition launching shortly after the selection process. The entry fees are tiered to be accessible to everyone.
- Deadline: February 28, 2026.
- Notification of Acceptance: March 20, 2026.
- Exhibition Launch: March 20 — May 20, 2026.
Entry Fees:
- Single Image Special: You can enter just one image for $5.
- Standard Bundle: $25 for entering 2 to 4 images.
- Additional Images: After the first 4 images, each additional entry is $4.
- Bonus: If you enter 8 images, you get 2 more free (allowing up to 10 total entries).
How to Enter
Submissions are handled via the gallery’s online form. Your files must be saved as JPEG (or JPG/PNG/GIF), with a minimum size of 2100 pixels on the long edge and a maximum file size of 4MB. It is crucial to name your files correctly using the format: “First Name-Last Name_title.jpg”. During the submission process, you will also be asked to write a brief artist statement or bio.
About the Jury
The entries will be juried by John Manno, the gallery director of Decagon Gallery. His role ensures that the selection process aligns with the gallery’s mission of presenting visually honest and compelling contemporary photography.
Why Enter Red by Decagon Gallery?
This Red by Decagon Gallery stands out for its “artist-first” approach. The option to submit a single image for just $5 makes it one of the most accessible popular photo challenges available, allowing photographers with a limited budget to participate. The promise of curatorial notes for every selected photograph adds educational value that is rare in online contests.
Moreover, the First Place prize of a Solo Online Exhibition is a significant career booster. It provides a focused spotlight on your body of work, promoted to an international audience through newsletters, press, and social media. With no shipping costs or logistics to worry about, this is a pure celebration of the image.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Red 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 Rights
Artists retain full copyright of their images. By entering, you grant Decagon Gallery the right to publish accepted images in the online exhibition, the exhibit catalog, and in promotional materials (such as a YouTube video and social media posts) specifically to promote the exhibition and the gallery. The gallery does not claim ownership of your work.
General Rules
The competition is open to photographers worldwide. All images must be the entrant’s own creation and must not infringe upon the copyright of others. The work must be color photography; black and white images are not accepted for this specific call. Files must be labeled correctly and meet the resolution requirements to be considered.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
