Photo contest open — with new twists

You asked for changes to our annual photo contest, so here you go: a creative theme plus a deadline spanning multiple seasons and a one-click online entry form. And, in the most exciting news of all, winning submissions will be featured in an exhibit co-hosted by Florence Arts and Museums.

         “We’ve had so many great entries in past years that we wanted to offer our local photographers something new,” said MSNHA Program Director Jessie Johnson. “We’ve made some changes in the contest — adding a theme, emphasizing creativity and giving photographers a long window of opportunity — that we hope will get our entrants excited about going in a different direction. We’re especially excited to connect this year’s photo contest with America250, the initiative to celebrate and commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial.”

        Here are guidelines for the 2026 contest:

• Submissions accepted through Friday, Aug. 28.
• Theme is Landmarks and Legacy, with a focus on celebrating this year as the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
• Submit photos digitally via the application form.
• Photos must be made within MSNHA’s six counties (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone and Morgan).
• Photos must be made within the past 18 months.
• Click here to learn more about the theme and contest rules. You can also download this document.
• Winning photos will be exhibited Oct. 12-Nov. 13.      

         “Even though Alabama was not a state 250 years ago when the Declaration of Independence was signed, we hope our entrants can capture the spirit of America’s beginnings through this year’s ‘Landmarks and Legacy’ theme,” Johnson said. “We can’t wait to see the results!”

          You can also see the direct-link buttons below to access the entry form and guidelines details. Questions? Email msnha@una.edu.