2026 ZBPL Photography Contest

Rules for 2026 ZBPL Photography Contest

• Contest is open to Zion-Benton Public Library District residents aged Kindergarten and up.
• This contest is for amateur photographers only. Amateur is defined as one who has never received payment for their photography.
• There are 3 age groups: Elementary (K-5th grade), Teen (6th-12th grade), and Adult (18 years and over)
• Each participant may only submit one photo.
• Email submissions to artexhibit@zblibrary.org. Please put “Photo Contest” in the subject line of the email. No physical submissions will be accepted.
• Please include the following info in your email:

First and Last Name, Address, Contact Info (email and phone number), Age Group

           *Entries which do not contain all above information may be disqualified*

• Deadline for photo submissions is February 28th, 2026.
• All photographs submitted to this contest will be made available to Zion-Benton Public Library and its agents for reproduction in any form. This includes inclusion in social media posts, reproductions, print outs, and any other reasonable usage for this & future photography contests held by the library. 
• Photo submissions will become property of the library archives and will not be returned.

Judging

First and Second place photos will be determined by a panel of judges based on impact, composition, and quality of lighting.

Best in Show will be determined by Community Vote. Voting will take place March 2nd – 16th at the library.

Prizes

One entry will be awarded Best in Show for a cash prize of $100.

2 winners will be awarded in each age group:

First place- $50 Gift Card & Second place- $25 Gift Card

Winners will be announced March 31st.