Self Portraits 2026

About this call

Self Portraits 2026 is an open call, exhibition and photo book run by photographer Matt Ford at his studio and gallery in Hackney Downs Studios, East London, United Kingdom. It invites photographers from anywhere in the world to reflect on what it means to be human through the self-portrait: a meditation on the subconscious, on who we are or the communities we come from, or on something we have dreamed of being. A team of five creative professionals in London makes the first selection, judging originality, storytelling, technical skill, artistic merit and emotional impact; the editors of ZERO.NINE MAGAZINE choose the finalists and winners. Semi-finalists are announced on 9 November; the book launch, private view and winners' announcement are on 10 December, and the exhibition is open to the public from 11 to 14 December 2026. Work can be sold at the exhibition, with 75% going to the artist.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Photography / Mixed Media
• Entry fee: £13
• Open to photographers 18 or over from any country, at any level of skill. Digital and analog work are both welcome (disposable cameras, iPhone, DSLR); collage and experimental or mixed media work is accepted if it still involves a photographic self-portrait. Digitally enhanced images are accepted; AI-generated images are not. Images must be from the past three years. Fees: £13 to enter, including one photograph, and £6 for every further photo; non-refundable. Finalists in the exhibition pay a further, optional £20 per photo shown for printing and exhibition admin, or print and send their own copies, paying delivery and return postage themselves. No extra fee for the photo book. Exhibiting artists set the price of their work; the studio manages sales at the space, keeps 25% (75% to the artist) and covers UK postage and packaging. Special selected works featured in the book are not included in the prize or exhibition.