Every photograph holds a story – some hidden beneath the surface, others waiting to be rediscovered. Every photographer has a unique story of their own. Whether it’s a quiet moment, a forgotten place, a personal journey, or a powerful expression of identity, we want to see how you interpret this theme. Submit an original photograph that tells a story, of a special day, place, or a special person or animal. Step into your world, and bring your story to light. We can’t wait to see what you uncover.

2026 Rules

Submitting your entry

Where: At the library’s Adult/Teen or Children’s Information Desks 

When: Sat. June 13 – Sat. July 11, during open library hours. No late entries will be accepted. 

Maximum number of entries: 2 photos per person.

Age groups:

• Adult (18+)
• Teen (12 - 17)
• Kids (7 - 11)
• Lil’ Snapper (1 - 6), a non-judged category for young photographers to showcase their first photos

Photo Theme: “Unearth A Story”

• Every photograph holds a story – some hidden beneath the surface, others waiting to be rediscovered. Every photographer has a unique story of their own. Whether it’s a quiet moment, a forgotten place, a personal journey, or a powerful expression of identity, we want to see how you interpret this theme. Submit an original photograph that tells a story, of a special day, place, or a special person or animal. Step into your world, and bring your story to light. We can’t wait to see what you uncover.
• Photos can be taken anywhere but must be original and suitable for public display.
• No AI images accepted. Editing should be kept to a minimum (formatting, lighting, and correction only).
• Contest is open to amateur photographers only. A professional photographer is defined as an individual who earns more than 50% of their income from photographic work.

Entry format: Photos must be 5x7” prints and matted in an 8x10” matte board only (available at hobby stores). Use a separate entry form for each photo and tape the completed form to the back of the matte board. A sample matted photo is available at the Adult/Teen and Children’s Information Desks. Entry forms will be available at the Information Desks, or click below to download and print.

Judging and Prizes

Each photo will be judged for impact, composition, quality of lighting, and representation of the contest theme. The judges are local professional photographers and instructors Gary Harwood and Jim Roetzel.

Three winners per age group will be recognized with ribbons and Certificates of Achievement. One Best in Show winner for each age group will win a cash prize.

Judges’ awards will be announced: Tues., July 14, at 7 PM at our Awards Ceremony, which all participants and their families are invited to attend. 

Photos will be on display in the library: July 15 - July 19. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite photos for the SMFPL People’s Choice Award, the Stephen Pierce Memorial Award for teens, and the Spike the Turtle Kids’ Choice Award. The Choice Awards will be announced after July 20.

Winning photographers will be contacted about submitting a digital copy of their photo for display in the library’s online albums. Photographs remain the property of the participant.

Photos may be picked up: At the Adult Information Desk, along with any awards won, beginning July 21. Any photos not picked up by August 8, 2026, unless given prior notice, will be discarded. 

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.