The Photo Arts Club of Toledo presents its 38th Annual Photo Contest
Co-sponsored and exhibited at Metroparks Toledo, Secor Metropark

Exciting News!

Thanks to the La-Z-Boy Company for donating a La-Z-Boy chair (or other product) for Best of Show.
The winning photographer will receive a certificate to be redeemed at any Toledo Area La-Z-Boy outlet for up to $599 towards the purchase.

Categories: 

Note: monochrome prints are allowed in all categories.

A. People: people are the main subject.
B. Plants: plants are the main subject-individual plants, close-ups or groupings, not scenic landscapes.
C. Animals: animals are the main subjects, including birds, insects, reptiles, etc.
D. Places: landscapes, vistas and locations are the main subject.
E. Open:  photographs that cannot be categorized in any other category, e.g., still life, abstracts, food, products, etc.
F. Monochrome: black & white, grayscale, monotone or sepia. No selective color added.
G. The Christine Holliday Youth Division: for those 17 and under as of January 12, 2026 to submit photos from any category.
H. Digital Creation (NEW FOR 2026!): highlights the effective use of post-production techniques to produce a creative change to the author’s original digital image(s). Suggested examples include, but are not limited to, composites, abstractions, layering, blending, and other techniques of digital manipulation. Images in this category must demonstrate significant post-capture modifications.

Prints must be dropped off no later than February 19, 2026.

Online registration will begin on January 12, 2026.        

Contest Rules:

1. This contest is open to amateur photographers who earn less than 51% of their income from photography.
2. Contest will be strictly limited to the first 300 photos entered. Online registration will automatically end once the limit is reached.
3. Entry fee is $8 per photo. Limit 10 photos per photographer. Two options for payment: Payment through PayPal on our website (Credit and Debit cards accepted) or make a check payable to ”Photo Arts Club of Toledo” and enclose in an envelope with registration information taped to the back of  one of  the photos.
4. All photos entered into the competition must begin with an original capture in a camera (phone cameras included). This rule excludes images or parts of images created by Artificial Intelligence. It does not prohibit the use of image editing software (e.g.: Photoshop, Lightroom, Sharpen AI, etc.) that uses artificial intelligence to modify or improve images.
5. Photos must be at least 8” x 10” excluding matting and no larger than 20” x 24” including matting.
6. Photos must not be framed or contain glass and not enclosed in sleeves.
7. All photos must be mounted on a strong, flat mounting board. Unmounted photos will not be accepted. Matting and backing board MUST be securely attached.
8. Photos will be hung using Velcro. Any photos that are too heavy to be supported in this manner will be disqualified. Examples include metal prints, wood backing, etc. 
9. No name, title, or identifying text is to be on the front of the photos.
10. No nudes or offensive photographs or titles allowed. Judgment of the contest committee is final.
11. Enter each photo in only one category. 
12. Winning photos (1st, 2nd,3rd) from previous Photo Arts Club of Toledo Annual Contests are not eligible to enter.
13. Utmost care will be taken in handling and displaying photos, however the Photo Arts Club of Toledo and Metroparks Toledo will not be liable for lost or damaged photos.
14. An ID label will be attached to the upper right-hand corner of the photo to identify the photographer and title after judging. Note that matting can help in preventing the ID label from obscuring the photo. 
15. The Photo Arts Club of Toledo of Toledo and Metroparks Toledo have the right to use all photos for informational and promotional purposes with photographer credit.
16. A label needs to be properly taped or glued to the back of each print. Labels will be provided on the confirmation e-mail. 
17. It is important that the labels be placed properly to ensure that the print is judged and exhibited correctly based on the orientation of the print.

Exhibition Dates and Times:

The exhibit opens on Saturday, February 28th at the Secor Center.  The hours will be 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, for the first weekend.  Thereafter, it will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 4 pm. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the exhibit closes.  

Awards:

Ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and Honorable Mentions.  Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be mailed after the opening of the exhibit.

Metroparks Toledo

The Secor Center at Secor Metropark is operated by Metroparks Toledo located at 10001 W Central Ave, (US20), Berkey OH, 43504. Six miles west of  I-475/US 23 on West  Central Avenue/US 20.   https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/secor-metropark/