2026 Summer Photo Contest

Join Big Waters Land Trust for our 7th Annual Summer Photo Contest! Photographers of all ages and experience levels are invited to enter their original work in our sixth annual Summer Photo Contest. Sponsored by Sarasota Scene Magazine, if you love nature and enjoy taking photos, this is the contest for you! Artwork that celebrates the breathtaking beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes will take center stage in this juried exhibition. A distinguished panel of experts will carefully select pieces that capture the essence of the state’s wild and scenic wonders. This year’s esteemed jurors include photographer and writer Mary Lundeberg , renowed photographers Harry Sayer and Barbara Banks , and Darcy Kelly-Laviolette , Executive Creative Director for Sarasota Scene Magazine . Submission Period: 5/1–5/31 Up to three photographs may be submitted per person and must be received no later than midnight on May 31. Following the submission deadline, jurors will review all entries and select 10 photographs per category for display in online galleries on the Big Waters Land Trust website and Facebook page. Selections will be based on composition, color, contrast, overall quality, subject interest, point of view, and storytelling. Announcement of Juror Selection for Virtual Exhibition: 7/1 People’s Choice Voting Period: 7/1–7/30 During this time, the public can vote for their favorite images on Facebook. Announcement of People’s Choice: 8/1 The virtual competition will award prizes to category winners selected by the jury, as well as People’s Choice winners determined by public voting. Jury-selected category winners will also be featured in the July/August issue of Sarasota Scene Magazine . Submission forms and official guidelines will be available here once entries open. Submission must be sent to Angelena Papazian at summerphotocontest@bwlt.org CATEGORIES In Love with the Land This category is for landscapes showcasing nature in all her glory. The Art of Nature This category