Photos may be entered for judging in seven Categories:

1. Flora: Including all types of flowers, plants, & fungi.
2. Fauna: All types of animals including insects.
3. Landscapes, seascapes, nightscapes. (outdoor scenes, nature images, sunsets, astronomical events, etc.)
4. People of all ages.
5. Artistic: Creative, abstract - must be based on the photographers own photograph.
6. Monochrome: Varying tones of only one color including black & white and sepia 
7. Hand of Man: Objects such as sculptures, jewelry, autos, planes, bridges, cityscapes, urban landscapes, architecture, etc.

Note: AI tools may be used for minor edits (e.g., exposure, color correction, noise reduction, or basic retouching) but images must be primarily the result of the photographer’s own work.  AI-generated or heavily AI-manipulated images (e.g. content creation, object addition, or text-to-image generation) are not permitted. 

Professional printer editing services are also not allowed except for perhaps color corrections.

Contest Submission Requirements

Photos must be in an 11” x 14” matte with at least 1 inch on each side.  Prints can be any size that fits within the stated matte standard. Mattes may be any color. Mattes should be clean and free of defects. Framed pictures are not eligible.

On the reverse side of each entry, write your name, email address, phone number and the category in which you are entering the photo. Do not write anything on the front that identifies you as the photographer.

Start Early.  There may be fewer local photo  printing options and art supply stores this year. Contestants may want to explore on-line resources for materials and photo processing services.  Allow extra time for shipping.

About the Judging Process

This is a two-track judging process. The contest will be judged by a professional photographer who will choose first, second, and third-place winners in each category and one overall “Best of Show” image. Ribbons will be placed on the winning pictures. Laura Hackenbrock is the professional photographer who will judge our 2026 contest. 

In addition, Highland's residents can vote for their favorite photos using ballots that will be available in the Clubhouse hallway. A different set of first, second, and third-place ribbons will be affixed to the residents’ favorites. Residents will again be allowed 1 vote per person.