Amateur Photo Contest 2025
"Charlotte in Color"
Now - January 31, 2025
This year, explore Charlotte County through its colorful features—from nature and landscapes to people and community events. Capture the colors that define us, through images of local culture, natural wonders, or colorful characters. Then submit your photo to our annual amateur photo contest!
All ages are invited to participate. Prizes will be awarded by age group:
- Children (ages 6-12)
- Teens (ages 13-17)
- Adults (ages 18 and up)
Entries must be submitted by January 31. Contest winners will be displayed during the month of March at all library locations.
Contest Rules
- Photos should reflect the theme "Charlotte in Color."
- Color photos are welcome. No black and white photos this year, please.
- One entry per person.
- Pictures are submitted via the library website and must be less than 25MB.
- No alteration or manipulation of photographs is permitted except for cropping, red eye removal, and/or adjustment of contrast and brightness.
- By entering, entrants represent and warrant that the photograph they submit is their own original creation, or if they are submitting on behalf of a child that the photograph is that child's original creation, and that the photo has not previously been submitted in a contest or promotion of any kind.
- By entering, entrants agree to have their submitted photograph used and displayed on the sponsor's website, social media, print materials, and any other communication avenues.
- Entries must be submitted by January 31, 2025. Include the photographer's name, age, and a phone number and email address.
Judging and Prizes
Professional photographers from the community will select the top three entries in each age group. Judging criteria includes use of the theme, technical quality of the image, and consideration of the story the image is telling.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes of $75, $50, and $25 will be awarded in each age category:
- Children (ages 6-12)
- Teens (ages 13-17)
- Adults (ages 18 and up)
An additional $25 prize will be awarded to the winner of the People's Choice vote, which will be held online in February.
Awards will be distributed at a special presentation at the Port Charlotte Library in March.
Meet the Judges
Linda O'Neill
Linda O'Neill is the official photographer for the Peace River Wildlife Center. She attended the New York Institute of Photography. Her work has won numerous awards around the country.
Scott Sorenson
Scott Sorenson learned the art of photography while he was doing a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in South Vietnam. He specializes in landscape and aviation photography and has been published in both national and international newspapers and magazines. Mr. Sorenson was a previous winner of our annual photo contest, now promoted to judge!
Jayne Gayle
Jayne Gayle has been taking "snapshots" since age 12, but she began taking formal photography classes ten years ago. She was hooked. While she doesn't aim to be a digital creator, her photos have won awards in many photo contests. Though she's now invited to judge the contests, Ms. Gayle continues to study photography. She's made wonderful photography friends along the way.
Past Winners
Scores of fabulous photos have been entered in our contest in years past. Take a look at some recent winners!
