Photography
2026 Entry Instructions
ONLINE ENTRY IS REQUIRED. To be an Exhibitor, click on the Online Entry link and follow the instructions. If you have questions, or are unable to complete the online form, please contact the department superintendent.
Entry deadlines are listed on the Entry Deadlines and Delivery Schedule page.
The Durham Fair Photography Competition is designed to provide a competitive opportunity for photographers of all skill levels.
- Division 1, Salon Print: advanced amateurs, camera club competitors, and semi-professionals. Youth (ages 17 and younger) may enter this Division but will be judged as adults..
- Division 2, Enlargements: Intermediate to advanced amateur.
- Division 3, Snapshots: “point and shoot” amateur.
- Division 4, Digital: all skill levels of photographers.
New for 2026
- Great news! Exhibitors can now submit entries across all print Divisions and the Digital Division—giving you more opportunities than ever to showcase your creativity.
- Snapshot entries have also increased—you may now submit two photos instead of one!
- Be sure to review the Classifications below to discover new and updated categories designed to inspire
your next entry. Highlights include Candid Life/Street Photography, Drone & Aerial Photography, and
Photojournalism & Storytelling. We look forward to seeing your work in these categories! - In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, this year’s Special Category, America the
Beautiful, invites you to capture the spirit of the Semiquincentennial—our nation’s history, culture, and
sense of place. From breathtaking landscapes to quiet everyday moments, from traditions passed down
through generations to the diversity that shapes our communities, show us the beauty, pride, and shared
experiences that connect us all. Capture the light, the land, and the lives that tell its story—moments of
beauty, resilience, and unity seen through your lens.
Rules
Eligibility:
- Images that have previously been entered in the Durham Fair Photography Department are NOT eligible for exhibition.
- The same photo may not be submitted as both a print and a digital entry. If a duplicate is identified, the digital entry will be removed. Any premium or ribbon awarded to that entry will be rescinded.
- Submitting both color and black-and-white versions of the same image is not permitted.
Registration:
All entries must be pre-registered through the Durham Fair online entry system.
- Division 1–3: Registration deadline is the Monday two weeks prior to the Fair.
- Division 4 (Digital): Entries must be registered and received by the Friday two weeks prior to the fair.
Acceptance of Exhibits:
- All registered photos not mailed must be delivered to the Creative Arts Building on the Durham fairgrounds on the Saturday before the Fair between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Judging:
Judging for Divisions 1 and 2 will take place on the Sunday prior to the Fair weekend in the Creative Arts building.
- Division 1 (Salon): 9:00 a.m.
- Division 2 (Enlargements): 10:00 a.m.
Exhibitors and members of the public are welcome to attend. Seating is limited; attendees should bring their own chairs.
Return of Exhibits:
- All exhibits must remain on display until 6 p.m. Sunday, the official closing time of the Fair. Early removal will result in disqualification from future Fairs.
Entries may be picked up at the Creative Arts Building :
- Sunday: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (after Fair closing)
- Monday: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Unclaimed entries will not be mailed. The committee is not responsible for items not picked up after the Fair.
Additional Information:
Each print entry must include the exhibitor's full name, contact phone number, and classification (e.g., Birdlife, Skyscapes) on the back.
Use labels or write clearly with a black permanent felt-tip pen. Allow ink to dry completely and separate photos with clean paper to prevent smudging.
Damaged or soiled entries may not be accepted for exhibition.
The following are not permitted:
Shrink-wrapped entries, laminated photos, Polaroids, color copies, and framed pictures.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Works created in whole or in part using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not eligible. Moderate use of editing tools that enhance an image while preserving the integrity of the original subject and its category is permitted. Acceptable adjustments include cropping and exposure corrections, sharpening, noise reduction, white balance, saturation, and contrast.
State Photo Contest
Sponsored by The Association of Connecticut Fairs and the Durham Agricultural Fair Association. Visit the Photo Contest page at ctagfairs.org for complete categories, rules, prizes, judging criteria and information on the State Photo Contest.
Awards & Premiums:
Honorable Mention ribbons may be awarded at the discretion of the judges and Photography Committee.
Best in Show rosetes will be awarded in each Division. Additional special/rosettes may also be presented at the discretion of the Photography Committee.
Exhibitors eligible for a premium check who do not pick up their exhibitors will have their check mailed to them. Ribbons are not mailed and must be collected at the time exhibits are picked up. If an exhibitor is unable to pick up their exhibits, premiums and ribbons, they may designate a friend or family member to do so on their behalf.
Fairgoers are invited to vote for their favorite submission in the Salon Division for the People's Choice Award. Voting will close at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday of the Fair, and the winning photograph will receive a special rosette.
Classifications for Division 1 – 4
- Abstract & Experimental (photography that emphasizes color, pattern, shape or concept over subject)
- Animals (Domestic / pets, excluding birds)
- Birdlife (All bird photography, wild or domestic, in flight or at rest)
- Buildings & Architecture (Structures, skylines, interiors, or architectural details)
- Candid Life / Street Photography (Everyday human moments, authentic and unposed)
- Childhood & Family Life (Candid or posed images celebrating children, families and relationships)
- Digital Manipulation & Creative Editing (formerly known as Image Artistry) [Images altered or enhanced through significant editing, compositing or digital artistry (but not AI)]
- Drone & Aerial Photography (Photos taken from above with a drone or aerial device)
- Food & Culture (Food in preparation, presentation, or enjoyment; captures food as part of culture)
- Insects (Ethically captured images of insects and other arthropods in all development stages or activities in their natural habitats)
- Landscapes & Scenery (Natural or human-made vistas, including fields, mountains, oceans and rural views)
- Life at the Fair (Celebrating the Fair season – rides, vendors, fair animals, food or fairgoers)
- Nature & Plant Life (Flowers, forests, gardens, trees, and other natural growth)
- Nightscapes (Celestial skies, or atmospheric phenomena)
- Photojournalism & Storytelling (An image that documents a real event or tells a story with impact)
- Skyscapes (Sunrise, sunset, storms)
- Sports & Action (Athletics, performance or any subject in motion)
- Transportation & Journeys (bicycles, boats, cars, planes, trains, trucks, or other travel-related themes)
- Wildlife (Non-domesticated, wild animals in their environment)
- Special Category (2026 Theme) – America the Beautiful: celebrating the United States’ Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. (See “New for 2026”)
- Panoramic Image (used only in Division 1 – Salon)
NOTE: Photos entered in all classifications may be broken into sub classifications for judging depending on the entries received. The creation of additional subcategories is at the discretion of that Division's Supervisor.
Entry Categories
Division 1 - Salon
Matthew Kabel, Superintendent
124 Murray Street, Middletown, CT 06457
[email protected]
- Exhibitors may submit a maximum of 3 prints in this Division. Prints may be color or monochrome.
- Exhibitors may also enter other print Divisions, as well as Division 4 (Digital Slideshow.)
- Youth (ages 17 and younger) may enter but will be judged as adults..
- Pictures must be on heavyweight, premium-quality photo paper. Photos must NOT be signed, watermarked, or titled on the front.
- Exhibitor name, phone number and the title of the picture must be written on the back (title required for the Division).
- Image size must be at least 11" x 14" and no larger than 16" x 20".
- All entries must be mounted on 16" x 20" sturdy backing or matting, unless the print itself is full-size (16" x 20"). All entries must be unframed.
- The back of each mounted print must be neat and clean, with no exposed adhesives, Velcro, or mounting hardware that could damage other entries.
- Panoramic Images (Special Rules)
- Panoramic images are accepted only in this Division.
- Definition: aspect ratio (length to width) of 2.5:1 or greater.
- Orientation may be horizontal or vertical.
- The smaller dimension must be at least 4" and no more than 8".
- The prints must be mounted on 16" x 20" backing (matting optional).
- Panoramic images may all be judged together, depending on the number of entries received.
- Entries will be judged within each classification.
- a Best in Show rosette will be awarded in three styles:
- Color
- Monochrome
- Digital Manipulation & Creative Editing
| Lot | Description | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abstract & Experimental: photography that emphasizes color, pattern, shape or concept over subject | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 2 | Animals: Domestic pets, excluding birds | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 3 | Birdlife: All bird photography, wild or domestic, in flight or at rest | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 4 | Buildings & Architecture: Structures, skylines, interiors ar architectural details | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 5 | Candid Life / Street Photography: Everyday human moments, authentic and unposed | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 6 | Childhood and Family Life: Candid or posed images celebrating children, families and relationships | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 7 | Digital Manipulation & Creative Editing (formerly known as Image Artistry): Images altered or enhanced through significant editing compositing or digital artistry (but NOT AI) | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 8 | Drone & Aerial Photography: Photos taken from above with a drone or aerial device | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 9 | Food & Culture: Food in preparation, presentation, or enjoyment; captures food as part of culture | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 10 | Insects: Ethically captured images of insects or other arthropods in all development stages or activities in their natural habitats | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 11 | Landscapes & Scenery: Natural or human-made vistas, including fields, mountains oceans and rural views | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 12 | Life at the Fair: Celebrating the Fair season - rides, vendors, fair animals, food or fairgoers | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 13 | Nature & Plant Life: Flowers, forests, gardens, trees, and other natural growth | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 14 | Nightscapes: Celestial skies, or atmospheric phenomena | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 15 | Photojournalism & Storytelling: An image that documents a real event or tells a story with impact | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 16 | Skyscapes: Sunrise, sunset, storms | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 17 | Sports & Action: Athletics, performance or any subject in motion | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 18 | Transportation & Journeys: Bicycles, boats, cars, planes, trains, trucks, or other travel-related themes | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 19 | Wildlife: Non-domesticated, wild animals in their environment | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 20 | Special Category (Annual Theme) - 2026, America the Beautiful: 2026, America the Beautiful - celebrating the United States' Semiquincentennial (250 years) since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 | $10 | $8 | $6 |
| 21 | Panoramic Image: (only in Division 1 Salon) | $10 | $8 | $6 |
Division 2 - Enlargements
Griffin Robinson
75 Gunger Hill Rd, Higganum, CT 06441
[email protected]
- Exhibitors may submit up to 2 prints in this Division.
- Exhibitors may also enter other print Divisions, as well as Division 4 (Digital Slideshow).
- Prints must be on heavyweight, premium-quality photo paper. Photos must NOT be signed, watermarked, or titled on the front.
- Exhibitor name and phone number must be written on the back.
- Image must be 8" x 10" or 8" x 12". Trim your prints to the proper size. Borders must not exceed ½".
- All entries must be unmounted, not matted, and unframed. The backs of photos must be free of exposed adhesives that could damage other entries.
- Entries will be judged within each classification, except Panoramic.
- A Best in Show rosette will be awarded to one photo.
| Lot | Description | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abstract & Experimental: photography that emphasizes color, pattern, shape or concept over subject | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 2 | Animals: Domestic pets, excluding birds | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 3 | Birdlife: All bird photography, wild or domestic, in flight or at rest | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 4 | Buildings & Architecture: Structures, skylines, interiors ar architectural details | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 5 | Candid Life / Street Photography: Everyday human moments, authentic and unposed | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 6 | Childhood and Family Life: Candid or posed images celebrating children, families and relationships | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 7 | Digital Manipulation & Creative Editing (formerly known as Image Artistry): Images altered or enhanced through significant editing compositing or digital artistry (but NOT AI) | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 8 | Drone & Aerial Photography: Photos taken from above with a drone or aerial device | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 9 | Food & Culture: Food in preparation, presentation, or enjoyment; captures food as part of culture | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 10 | Insects: Ethically captured images of insects or other arthropods in all development stages or activities in their natural habitats | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 11 | Landscapes & Scenery: Natural or human-made vistas, including fields, mountains oceans and rural views | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 12 | Life at the Fair: Celebrating the Fair season - rides, vendors, fair animals, food or fairgoers | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 13 | Nature & Plant Life: Flowers, forests, gardens, trees, and other natural growth | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 14 | Nightscapes: Celestial skies, or atmospheric phenomena | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 15 | Photojournalism & Storytelling: An image that documents a real event or tells a story with impact | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 16 | Skyscapes: Sunrise, sunset, storms | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 17 | Sports & Action: Athletics, performance or any subject in motion | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 18 | Transportation & Journeys: Bicycles, boats, cars, planes, trains, trucks, or other travel-related themes | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 19 | Wildlife: Non-domesticated, wild animals in their environment | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 20 | Special Category (Annual Theme) - 2026, America the Beautiful: celebrating the United States' Semiquincentennial (250 years) since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 | $8 | $7 | $4 |
Division 3 - Snapshots
Molly Otero, Asst. Superintendent
5 Gloria Heights, Portland, CT 06480
[email protected]
- Exhibitors may submit up to 2 prints in this Division. (Changed from 2025.)
- Exhibitors may also enter other print Divisions, as well as Division 4 (Digital Slideshow).
- Prints must be on heavyweight, premium-quality photo paper. Photos must NOT be signed, watermarked, or titled on the front.
- Exhibitor name and phone number must be written on the back
- Print size must be 4" x 6".
- All entries must be unmounted, not matted, and unframed. The backs of the photos must be free of exposed adhesives that could damage other entries.
- Entries will be judged within each classification, except Panoramic.
- A Best in Show rosette will be awarded to one photo.
| Lot | Description | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abstract & Experimental: photography that emphasizes color, pattern, shape or concept over subject | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 2 | Animals: Domestic pets, excluding birds | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 3 | Birdlife: All bird photography, wild or domestic, in flight or at rest | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 4 | Buildings & Architecture: Structures, skylines, interiors ar architectural details | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 5 | Candid Life / Street Photography: Everyday human moments, authentic and unposed | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 6 | Childhood and Family Life: Candid or posed images celebrating children, families and relationships | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 7 | Digital Manipulation & Creative Editing (formerly known as Image Artistry): Images altered or enhanced through significant editing compositing or digital artistry (but NOT AI) | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 8 | Drone & Aerial Photography: Photos taken from above with a drone or aerial device | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 9 | Food & Culture: Food in preparation, presentation, or enjoyment; captures food as part of culture | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 10 | Insects: Ethically captured images of insects or other arthropods in all development stages or activities in their natural habitats | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 11 | Landscapes & Scenery: Natural or human-made vistas, including fields, mountains oceans and rural views | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 12 | Life at the Fair: Celebrating the Fair season - rides, vendors, fair animals, food or fairgoers | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 13 | Nature & Plant Life: Flowers, forests, gardens, trees, and other natural growth | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 14 | Nightscapes: Celestial skies, or atmospheric phenomena | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 15 | Photojournalism & Storytelling: An image that documents a real event or tells a story with impact | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 16 | Skyscapes: Sunrise, sunset, storms | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 17 | Sports & Action: Athletics, performance or any subject in motion | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 18 | Transportation & Journeys: Bicycles, boats, cars, planes, trains, trucks, or other travel-related themes | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 19 | Wildlife: Non-domesticated, wild animals in their environment | $7 | $6 | $3 |
| 20 | Special Category (Annual Theme) - 2026, America the Beautiful: celebrating the United States' Semiquincentennial (250 years) since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 | $7 | $6 | $3 |
Division 4 - Digital Slide Show
Braedon Robinson
7 Center Street, Durham, CT 06422
[email protected]
This Division is for digital image files.
- Each exhibitor may enter 3 images in this Division.
- Exhibitors may also submit photos to the print Divisions (see those Division guidelines for details).
- Image files must be in JPG format. Each file must be no larger than 5 MB.
- File names must follow this format:
- Last name (space) First name (space) Title (with spaces between words) .JPG
- Example: Robinson John new jeep.jpg
- Complete and submit your registration form via the Durham Fair exhibitor website link.
- After receiving your Confirmation Receipt by email, forward that email along with your JPG image file(s) to: [email protected]
- All emails with the files and confirmation receipts must be received by Friday, two weeks prior to the Fair.
- Entries will be judged within each classification, except Panoramic.
- A Best in Show rosette will be awarded to one image.
| Lot | Description | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abstract & Experimental: photography that emphasizes color, pattern, shape or concept over subject | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 2 | Animals: Domestic pets, excluding birds | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 3 | Birdlife: All bird photography, wild or domestic, in flight or at rest | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 4 | Buildings & Architecture: Structures, skylines, interiors ar architectural details | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 5 | Candid Life / Street Photography: Everyday human moments, authentic and unposed | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 6 | Childhood and Family Life: Candid or posed images celebrating children, families and relationships | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 7 | Digital Manipulation & Creative Editing (formerly known as Image Artistry): Images altered or enhanced through significant editing compositing or digital artistry (but NOT AI) | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 8 | Drone & Aerial Photography: Photos taken from above with a drone or aerial device | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 9 | Food & Culture: Food in preparation, presentation, or enjoyment; captures food as part of culture | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 10 | Insects: Ethically captured images of insects or other arthropods in all development stages or activities in their natural habitats | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 11 | Landscapes & Scenery: Natural or human-made vistas, including fields, mountains oceans and rural views | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 12 | Life at the Fair: Celebrating the Fair season - rides, vendors, fair animals, food or fairgoers | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 13 | Nature & Plant Life: Flowers, forests, gardens, trees, and other natural growth | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 14 | Nightscapes: Celestial skies, or atmospheric phenomena | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 15 | Photojournalism & Storytelling: An image that documents a real event or tells a story with impact | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 16 | Skyscapes: Sunrise, sunset, storms | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 17 | Sports & Action: Athletics, performance or any subject in motion | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 18 | Transportation & Journeys: Bicycles, boats, cars, planes, trains, trucks, or other travel-related themes | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 19 | Wildlife: Non-domesticated, wild animals in their environment | $8 | $7 | $4 |
| 20 | Special Category (Annual Theme) - 2026, America the Beautiful: celebrating the United States' Semiquincentennial (250 years) since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 | $8 | $7 | $4 |
