Decagon Gallery - "The Shape of a Life" International Photography Exhibition
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
• Decagon Gallery
• Deadline: October 10th, 2026
• Theme: The Shape of a Life
• Prize: $1,000 Prize Pool + Online Exhibition
• Entry Fees: Yes
• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE
A life is shaped by far more than its defining milestones or major achievements. It is built from the countless small moments that often go unnoticed—the familiar places we return to, the people who remain by our side, the routines that structure our days, the objects that carry personal meaning, and the fleeting experiences that only reveal their significance with the passage of time. Photography has a remarkable ability to preserve these fragments, transforming ordinary moments into lasting memories. Sometimes, a single photograph can tell a story that words cannot, offering a glimpse into an entire lifetime through one carefully observed scene.
The Shape of a Life invites photographers to reflect on the many ways a life can be represented through the photographic medium. Participants are encouraged to interpret the theme freely, whether focusing on another person, a loved one, a stranger, or even themselves. A life may be revealed through a portrait, a landscape shaped by human presence, an intimate interior, a subtle gesture, or a quiet everyday moment that captures something deeply personal. The competition welcomes submissions across documentary, fine art, conceptual, and personal photography, placing greater value on authenticity, emotional depth, and thoughtful storytelling than on any particular style or genre.
Rather than seeking photographs that simply document a person's appearance or surroundings, the project looks for images that evoke lived experience. The organizers are interested in photographs that explore themes such as memory, identity, resilience, vulnerability, connection, transformation, and the passage of time. They invite work that encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and discover something meaningful beneath the surface—photographs that continue to resonate long after they have been seen.