Virginia Living Photography Awards 2026

About the Awards

Submissions are now open! The Virginia Living Photography Awards is our inaugural statewide celebration of the Commonwealth’s most gifted visual storytellers—whether you shoot with a DSLR or just really know your way around an iPhone.

This annual photography competition invites both seasoned pros and passionate amateurs to capture the spirit, beauty, and character of Virginia across five dynamic categories. From sweeping landscapes to soulful portraits and everything in between, your best shot could earn statewide recognition—and maybe even a little glory.

Winners will be selected through a combination of expert judging and public voting, making this not just another contest, but Virginia’s premier photography awards experience.

Please make sure to read our Terms & Conditions before your enter.

Submissions are OPEN now!

✨ This Is Your Time to Shine ✨

🏆 Incredible Prizes | 📸 Statewide Recognition | 🤝 Creative Networking

🗓️ VLPA2026 Timeline

✅ Submissions Open: September 1st at 9am through Oct 31 at 11:59pm
🎯 Early Bird Ends: September 14, 11:59 PM
🗳️ Voting Period: November 1-30
🏆 Winners Announced: January 2026

Quirk is our incredible prize sponsor!

Quirk Hotel & Gallery will host all winners in a prestigious exhibition this January/February 2026. Winners will be featured in a gallery show with an opening reception celebrating their achievement. Additional prize packages will be announced soon!

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THE CATEGORIES ARE HERE!

🏛️ People & Lifestyle: Virginia’s beauty and style
🦌 Nature & Wildlife: Our natural treasures
📰 Documentary: Real Virginia stories
🎨 Experimental: Photo creativity
🤖 AI-Generated: Limitless AI creativity

Explore Categories

Meet Our Incredible Judges!

🎓 University Professors
🏛️ Museum & Gallery Executives
📸 Virginia Living Photographers
🖌️ Creative Directors
🖊️ Virginia Living leadership

Meet the Judges

Supporting Virginia’s Wildlife

We’re proud to partner with the Wildlife Center of Virginia as our charity beneficiary. For over 40 years, the Wildlife Center has been healing injured and orphaned native wildlife while educating the public about conservation. Through your participation, a portion of all voting proceeds will support their critical work in wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education. When you vote for your favorite photographs this November, you’re also helping ensure Virginia’s wild creatures continue to thrive for future generations of photographers to capture and celebrate.

Have questions❓
Find answers to common questions about Virginia Living Photography Awards 2026!