PPWV AMERICA'S 250th PHOTO CONTEST

Celebrate America's 250th With Your Best Images

250th Photo Contest

The Professional Photographers of West Virginia invites amateur, professional, and novice photographers across the state to share their strongest work in celebration of this milestone event. This contest is designed to spotlight creativity, elevate the craft of photography, and bring our West Virginia photography community together.

Anyone with a love or passion for photography may enter images in the contest taken in West Virginia between July 2 to July 6, 2026, in the following categories:

Landscape/Nature – Imagery of scenic views, wildlife, etc. of the natural world. These can include grand scenics of sweeping vistas, tight compositions on smaller natural scenes (flowers, etc.), abstract nature highlighting natural structures, patterns, etc., dynamic elements capturing active weather, fog, water, etc., and/or wildlife (non-domesticated animals).
People – Imagery that captures the character, emotions, and essence of individuals/groups. These can include studio portraits, environmental portraits, and candid portraits captured during street photography and event coverage.
Places & Events – Imagery capturing the candid energy of gatherings and the unique character of local venues and events.

There is no entry fee.

Submit your Imagery!

1st... Please like our 'Friends of PPWV' Facebook page and join our public group! Then, make a post and upload one or more of the images you plan to enter into the contest to the group page, and share your post to let all your friends know about our contest and your entries! www.facebook.com/groups/52254099869

2nd... Using the link below, submit up to five (5) images in any category or combination of categories you choose. Deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time Sunday, July 12, 2026. Images must be submitted in high-resolution JPEG format and must be taken in West Virginia between July 2 to July 6, 2026. See below for exact submission details.

Judging

Submitted imagery will be judged by members of the Professional Photographers of West Virginia for technical excellence (focus, lighting), composition (leading lines, framing), originality, and emotional impact.

Winners will be announced on or about August 1, 2026.

Winners

Each category will have a 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winner and two honorable mentions who will receive a certificate of achievement for their entries. Winning imagery from each category will then compete for overall Best of Show.

The overall Best of Show 1^st Place winner will receive $100.00, 2^nd Place will receive $50.00, and 3^rd Place will receive $25.00. Best of Show winners will also receive a large professional print of their winning image.

Category and Best of Show winning images will be displayed on the Professional Photographers of West Virginia website and social media pages. Winning images and photographer information will also be distributed statewide via a press release. Winners may also be invited to attend an awards banquet at the PPWV Fall Seminar in Summersville, WV, Sept. 12, 2026.

Submit Your Entry Today

Professional Photographers of West Virginia Contest Entry

The 250th Photo Contest offers photographers a professional way to gain visibility, celebrate their work, and participate in a respected West Virginia photography community event.

Contest Categories:

Landscape/Nature

Scenic landscapes and vistas
Wildlife and nature photography
Flowers and plant life
Weather, water, fog, and other natural phenomena
Abstract interpretations of the natural world

People

Studio portraits
Environmental portraits
Candid portraits
Images that capture personality, emotion, and human connection

Places & Events

Community celebrations
Festivals and public gatherings
Historic locations and landmarks
Images that capture the character and spirit of West Virginia places and events

Entry Requirements:

Images must be photographed in West Virginia between July 2, 2026, and July 6, 2026.
There is no entry fee.
Each participant may submit up to five (5) images total in any category or combination of categories.
Images must be submitted as high-resolution JPEG files. (Minimum 2MB)
Submission deadline is 11:59 PM EDT on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Upload Instructions:

Before uploading, please rename each file using the following format:

LastName_FirstName_Category_ImageTitle.jpg

Example:

Smith_Jane_Landscape_BlackwaterFallsSunrise.jpg

Please indicate the category for each image during the upload process.

Additional Information:

For contest rules and updates, visit PPWV.org or the Friends of PPWV Facebook Group at Friends of PPWV Facebook Group.

SUBMIT IMAGES HERE

Contest Rules

The PPWV America's 250th Photo Contest is open to amateur, professional, and novice photographers.

All images must be taken in West Virginia between July 2, 2026, and July 6, 2026.

PPWV has the right to refuse images that it deems inappropriate for the spirit of the contest.

By entering, you give PPWV full rights to reproduce and display your entries. All entrants' images will be given photo credit and will retain full copyright.

If your image is selected as a winning image, a representative from PPWV will contact you to provide specific information including the photographer's name, when and where the image was captured, and additional information as required for Associated Press-style captions.

A Celebration of West Virginia Photographers

The Professional Photographers of West Virginia is proud to create opportunities that support both the art and the business of photography. This contest is a chance to recognize the talent, dedication, and professional growth of photographers across West Virginia while strengthening connections within our community.

We appreciate every photographer who continues to contribute to our industry, share knowledge, and raise the standard for photography in our state.

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