Professional Photographers of West Virginia announces America’s 250th Photo Contest

PRESS RELEASE

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Professional Photographers of West Virginia, the state-level affiliate organization of the Professional Photographers of America, is proud to announce the PPWV America’s 250th Photo Contest.

PPWV invites amateur, professional, and novice photographers across the state to share their strongest work in celebration of this milestone event. This contest is designed to spotlight creativity, elevate the craft of photography, and bring our West Virginia photography community together.

Anyone with a love or passion for photography may enter images in the contest taken in West Virginia between July 2 to July 6, 2026, in the following categories:

• Landscape/Nature – Imagery of scenic views, wildlife, etc. of the natural world. These can include grand scenics of sweeping vistas, tight compositions on smaller natural scenes (flowers, etc.), abstract nature highlighting natural structures, patterns, etc., dynamic elements capturing active weather, fog, water, etc., and/or wildlife (non-domesticated animals).

• People – Imagery that captures the character, emotions, and essence of individuals/groups. These can include studio portraits, environmental portraits, and candid portraits captured during street photography and event coverage.

• Places & Events – Imagery capturing the candid energy of gatherings and the unique character of local venues and events.

There is no entry fee.

Participants may submit up to five (5) images in any category or combination of categories they chose. Deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time Sunday, July 12, 2026. Images must be submitted in high-resolution JPEG format, must be taken in West Virginia between July 2 to July 6, 2026.

Submitted imagery will be judged by members of PPWV for technical excellence (focus, lighting), composition (leading lines, framing), originality, and emotional impact.

Winners will be announced on or about August 1, 2026.

Each category will have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner and two honorable mentions who will receive a certificate of achievement for their entries. Winning imagery from each category will then compete for overall Best of Show.

The overall Best of Show 1st Place winner will receive $100.00, 2nd Place will receive $50.00, and 3rd Place will receive $25.00. Best of Show winners will also receive a large professional print of their winning image.

Category and Best of Show winning images will be displayed on the Professional Photographers of West Virginia website and social media pages. Winning images and photographer information will also be distributed statewide via a press release. Winners may also be invited to attend an awards banquet at the PPWV Fall Seminar in Summersville, WV, Sept. 12, 2026.

“PPWV is proud to create opportunities that support both the art and the business of photograph in the Mountain State,” stated Anthony Rumley, PPWV President. “This contest is a chance to recognize the talent, dedication, and professional growth of photographers across West Virginia while strengthening connections within our community. We appreciate every photographer who continues to contribute to our industry, share knowledge, and raise the standard for photography in our state.”

To learn more about PPWV, go to our public Facebook group page at www.facebook.com/groups/52254099869.

For full contest details and rules including how to enter, go to https://www.ppwv.org/250th-photo-contest.

Editor’s note: Feature image courtesy of Perry Bennett.