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 the 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!
Winners Will Receive
📸 A spotlight in Virginia Living — your work published in Virginia’s most widely read and prestigious magazine, a career-making platform seen across the Commonwealth.
🌟 Cover-star potential — one extraordinary image may earn the coveted one and only February 2025 cover, our most visible stage.
🎨 Your work on gallery walls — exhibited at downtown Richmond’s iconic Quirk Gallery, a boutique art destination known nationwide.
🌠 A VIP night to remember — raise a glass at an invitation-only winners’ reception hosted by Virginia Living and Quirk.
🏩 A luxe hotel getaway chance — automatic entry to win an overnight escape at the stylish Quirk Hotel.
🌐 Statewide fame online — featured on VirginiaLiving.com and in VL Today, our statewide newsletter reaching tens of thousands.
👀 Future-shoot possibilities — our art director has eyes on winners for potential Virginia Living assignments.
🎁 An exclusive swag bag — curated Virginia Living + Wildlife Center of Virginia gifts to mark your win.
📰 A year of inspiration — enjoy a complimentary 1-year subscription to Virginia Living.
✨ This Is Your Time to Shine ✨
🏆 Incredible Prizes | 📸 Statewide Recognition | 🤝 Creative Networking
Prizes per placement
| 1st Place Winners | 2nd Place Winners | 3rd Place Winners |
|---|---|---|
| – Chance for your photo to be the cover image for Virginia Living’s January/February 2026 issue! – Published in Virginia Living‘s print magazine – VIP opening reception hosted by Virginia Living & Quirk – Quirk Gallery Exhibition – Digital recognition on Virginia Living Website & Newsletter – 1-year subscription to Virginia Living Magazine – Entry into a drawing for a complimentary night’s stay at Quirk Hotel – Wildlife Center/Virginia Living Branded Swag Bag | – Chance for your photo to be the cover image for Virginia Living’s January/February 2026 issue! – VIP opening reception hosted by Virginia Living & Quirk – Quirk Gallery Exhibition – Digital recognition on Virginia Living Website & Newsletter – 1-year subscription to Virginia Living Magazine – Entry into a drawing for a complimentary night’s stay at Quirk Hotel – Wildlife Center/Virginia Living Branded Swag Bag | – Chance for your photo to be the cover image for Virginia Living’s January/February 2026 issue! – VIP opening reception hosted by Virginia Living & Quirk – Quirk Gallery Exhibition – Digital recognition on Virginia Living Website – 1-year subscription to Virginia Living Magazine – Entry into a drawing for a complimentary night’s stay at Quirk Hotel |
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.
📸
THE CATEGORIES ARE HERE!
🏛️ People & Lifestyle: Virginia’s beauty and style
🦌 Nature & Wildlife: Our natural treasures
Meet Our Incredible Judges!
🎓 University Professors
🏛️ Museum & Gallery Executives
📸 Virginia Living Photographers
🖌️ Creative Directors
🖊️ Virginia Living leadership
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!
Virginia Living Photography Awards Newsletter
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