2026 Competition Categories

ENTERING A PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW?

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All of the categories are listed below with a description. If you need help, contact us!

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Abstract

A photo where the photographer does not necessarily attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality, but instead, may uses shapes and colors to achieve an artistic effect. The photograph may be a small portion of an object or scene.

Action

Images of moving subjects/objects.

Architecture/Cityscape

Images of structures/buildings and/or their interiors that it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and an accurate representation of the subject.

Astrophotography

 Images of celestial objects, events, and nighttime skyscapes, such as the aurora borealis, stars, planets, galaxies, and nebula.

Youth (15 & under)

Youth: anyone aged 15 years or younger. This category is open to all subject matter.

Birds/Waterfowl

Images of wild birds and waterfowl. Pet birds or farm fowl are not allowed.

Domesticated Animals

Images of family pets and/or animals that are tame and kept as pets or livestock

Flower(s)

The focus of the image shall be on the flower(s). If an image of the flower includes hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, etc., the image should be entered in the Nature category.

Landscape

Images that bring the viewer into the scene. Images may include structures or water, but the focus should be the entire grouping of possible subject(s) in the scene that make up the end result, the landscape.

Macro/Extreme Close-up

 Images that focus on close-up detail of the subject. Cropping to achieve this result is acceptable.  Any lens may be used.

Manipulation (All Subject Matter)

Images in this category have no limits on the amount of “post processing” however no AI images are allowed. 

Monochrome/Black & White

An image executed in black and white or in shades of any one color, i.e. sepia, cyanotype, etc. 

Nature

Images of plants, insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, weather, clouds, butterflies, mushrooms, celestial bodies, etc.,

Panoramic 

 An image presented in a 3:1 aspect ratio (only 18”x 6” or 24”x 8” prints may be entered in this category).  This aspect ratio may be achieved by cropping or by stitching multiple images together. 

Portrait

Images of a person or group of people that captures their personality.

Still Life

Images of inanimate objects found naturally or arranged by the photographer to achieve a pleasing image by utilizing creative composition, lighting and textures.

Street Photography

Candid photos of everyday life in public places (streets, parks, malls, sidewalk cafes, etc.). These may be images that capture humanity in decisive moments in public spaces. 

Transportation

Photographs that show the movement of goods and/or persons and the various means by which the movement is accomplished.

Undefined

A category open to any subject matter for a photograph that does not fit into any of the other categories.

Waterscapes

A landscape in which an expanse of water is a dominant feature.

Wildlife

Native or exotic animals found in their natural habitat. Photos of zoo or preserve animals are acceptable.  Cages, fences and/or bars that are visible will be negative factors when your photo is judged.