2026 "Essence of Autumn" Fall Photography Contest Details

• Dates: October 1st to 31st, 2026

• Theme: Colorful Fall Scenes

• Equipment: Film Cameras, Digital Cameras, Cell phone cameras.  No computer-generated artworks are permitted. All images submitted must be reduced to .JPG, .JPEG or .PNG format files. 

• Eligibility: Open to amateur photographers

Awards:

• First Place - $75

• Second Place - $50

• Third Place - $25

• People's Choice Award (determined by Facebook likes) - $25

All submitted photographs will be featured on the Sterling Arts Collaborative website and Facebook page, where friends, family, and community members can vote for their favorites by "liking" the images. The photograph receiving the most likes will win the People's Choice Award.  First, second and third place will be judged by the Sterling Arts Collaborative Board of Directors.

We encourage participants to share their submissions with friends and family and invite them to like our Facebook page to vote for their favorites.

This contest celebrates the beauty of nature that surrounds us every day and the incredible photographic capabilities of the devices we carry in our pockets. No expensive equipment needed—just your creativity and perspective!

Submission Guidelines

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to amateur photographers of all ages

• Professional photographers (those who earn income from photography) are not eligible

Photo Requirements

• Photos may be from any time period, no restrictions

• Minimal editing allowed (basic cropping, brightness/contrast adjustments only)

• No filters, digital manipulations, or composite images

• File format: JPG, JPEG or PNG only

• Maximum of 3 entries per person

Subject Matter Guidelines

• All photos must feature the Fall season and the beauty of nature's color

• Acceptable subjects include: wildlife, plants, landscapes, waterscapes, weather phenomena

• Primarily pet or human-made environments should be avoided

• Photos should be taken outdoors in natural settings

• No identification of people in photos without written permission

Submission Process

• Submit photos: Email to sterling.arts.treasurer@gmail.com

• Include photographer's name, preferred email address, phone number, and photo title/filename

• Briefly describe where and when the photo was taken if you recall

• Deadline for submissions: May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Board Judging Criteria

• Creativity and originality

• Composition and artistic merit

• Technical quality (focus, exposure, etc.)

• Relevance to the Fall nature theme

• Emotional impact and storytelling

Terms & Conditions

• By submitting, photographers grant Sterling Arts Collaborative permission to display entries on our website and social media

• Photographers retain copyright of their images

• Winners will be announced by November 30, 2026

About Sterling Arts Collaborative

Sterling Arts Collaborative is a non-profit, 501c3 organization located in Sterling, Massachusetts. The Collaborative’s goal is to bring increased opportunities for the public, of all ages and abilities, to have art-related experiences in their lives.

Please contact us at sterling.arts.treasurer@gmail.com with any questions, or visit our website for more information: Sterling Arts Collaborative