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2026 "Color Returns" Spring Photography Contest Details
Dates: April 20 to May 31, 2026
Theme: Colorful Spring Scenes
Equipment: Film Cameras, Digital Cameras, Cell phone cameras. All images 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
Participants must reside in Worcester County
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
Maximum of 3 entries per person
Subject Matter Guidelines
All photos must feature Springtime and the return 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
Judging Criteria
Creativity and originality
Composition and artistic merit
Technical quality (focus, exposure, etc.)
Relevance to 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 June 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