Some photographs reveal. Others withhold.

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Seen / Unseen invites work that engages with what is visible and what remains hidden—within the frame, within the subject, or within the photograph itself. This may take the form of portraiture, or images where meaning is suggested rather than stated.

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We are interested in photographs that hold tension: between presence and absence, clarity and ambiguity, exposure and concealment. What is shown is only part of the image. What is implied, obscured, or left unresolved carries equal weight.

This theme is intentionally open. It may be approached through people, environments, or constructed images. The strongest work will not illustrate the idea, but embody it—allowing the photograph itself to carry complexity without explanation.

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Literal interpretations will be considered, but preference will be given to work that moves beyond the obvious.

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Awards

• First Place: $500 plus a solo exhibition on the gallery's website

• Second Place: $300

• Third Place: $200

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Entry Details

• $25 for up to 8 images

• JPG or JPEG format

• Minimum 2100 pixels on the long side

• No watermarks, texts or borders

 

Juror: Ann M. Jastrab

Ann M. Jastrab, MFA, is the Executive Director at the Center for Photographic Art (CPA) in Carmel, California. CPA strives to advance photography through education, exhibition and publication. These regional traditions—including mastery of craft, the concept of mentorship, and dedication to the photographic arts—evolved out of CPA's predecessor, the renowned Friends of Photography established in 1967. While respecting these West Coast traditions, CPA is also at the vanguard of the future of photographic imagery.

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Eligibility

Open to photographers worldwide, 18 and older. All photographic styles and approaches are welcome.

 

Important Notes

• Artists retain full rights to their images

• Decagon Gallery may use submitted images for exhibition-related promotion with full credit

• Submission implies agreement with all terms

 

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