9th Annual Teen Photography Contest
Calling all aspiring middle and high school photographers!
The Canton Public Library invites students in grades 7–12 to enter our 9th Annual Teen Photography Contest. Show us your best work and share your unique perspective through photography!
All eligible photographs will be displayed in a month-long exhibit at the library throughout November. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for the Patrons’ Choice Award.
Who Can Enter?
The contest is open to:
- Students in grades 7–12
How To Enter
Each photographer may submit up to three photographs.
Photographs must:
- Be 8″ × 10″ prints
- Have been taken by the photographer within the past year
- Be submitted as physical prints; digital submissions will not be accepted
Please write the following information on the back of each photograph:
- Name
- Phone number or email address
- Age
- Grade
- School
- Photograph title
- Category
Entries may be dropped off or mailed to:
Canton Public Library
40 Dyer Avenue
Canton, CT 06019
Submission Deadline
Monday, October 26, 2026
Late entries cannot be guaranteed a place in the exhibit or consideration for awards.
Photography Categories
Photographers may enter their work in one of the following categories:
Portrait
Photographs featuring people, including traditional portraits, candid portraits, and self-portraits.
Nature & Landscape
Landscapes, scenery, plants, flowers, weather, and other subjects found in the natural world.
Animals
Photographs of pets, wildlife, birds, insects, and other animals.
Architecture & Manmade
Buildings, structures, streets, vehicles, objects, and other elements of the built environment.
Abstract & Design
Patterns, textures, shapes, reflections, unusual perspectives, and other photographs where design and visual elements are the focus.
Photo Manipulation & Design
Photographs that use creative photographic or editing techniques to transform the original image. This may include darkroom techniques, double exposures, layering, compositing, intentional distortion, and other digital or photographic effects.
Editing & digital Manipulation
We encourage photographers to experiment and be creative while keeping photography at the heart of the contest.
Basic editing such as cropping, exposure, brightness, contrast, and color correction is permitted in all categories.
More extensive manipulation and creative techniques are welcome in Photo Manipulation & Design. Entries in this category may use techniques such as double exposures, composites, layering, creative color treatments, distortion, and other photographic or digital processes.
The distinction is not whether an image has been edited, but whether the editing is being used as a creative part of the photographic work.
AI Policy
Entries must originate from photographs taken by the photographer entering the contest.
Generative AI may not be used to create, add, replace, or substantially alter photographic content. For example, an entrant may not use generative AI to add a person, animal, object, background, or other major visual element that was not present in the original photograph.
AI-assisted tools used for minor technical adjustments that do not introduce new photographic content may be used.
The library reserves the right to disqualify an entry if it does not meet these requirements.
Judging
Entries will be judged by a panel of local photographers and artists.
Judges will consider:
Technical Merit — The quality and execution of the photographic techniques used, including focus, exposure, lighting, color, and other technical choices. Technical choices will be considered in relation to the photographer’s intended effect.
Composition — How effectively the visual elements of the photograph work together and guide the viewer’s attention.
Impact — The impression or emotional response created when the photograph is first viewed.
Creativity — The originality and imagination demonstrated through the use of photography to express an idea, message, or point of view.
Overall Effectiveness — How successfully the photograph combines these elements to create an engaging and memorable image.
Judges will consider the intent and techniques appropriate to each category. For example, an intentionally blurred or distorted photograph will not be penalized simply for being unconventional if the technique is used effectively.
Awards
Category Awards
First-, second-, and third-place ribbons will be awarded in each category.
Overall Awards
Judges will select:
- Best Overall Middle School Photograph
- Best Overall High School Photograph
Cash prizes will be awarded to both Best Overall winners.
Patrons’ Choice Award
During the November exhibit, library visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photograph. The photograph receiving the most votes will receive the Patrons’ Choice Award and a cash prize.
Important Dates
October 26, 2026 — Submission deadline
November 1–30, 2026 — Photography Exhibit
November 16, 2026 — Awards Reception
The awards reception will be held at the Canton Public Library. All photographers and their families are invited to attend.
For questions about the contest or submitting photographs, please contact the Canton Public Library.