Winners
We are happy to announce the winners of the 2026 Amateur Photography Contest!
First Place: “Five Generations of Love” by Stephanie Charlesworth
Second Place: “The Love of a Dog” by Doreen Carte
Third Place: “I Love Being Daddy’s Girl” by Miranda Crum Mahotiere
Honorable Mention: “Pond Life” by Amy Lerner
Reception
All are invited to attend the reception at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library System on Tuesday, October 13, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Photographs submitted for the 2026 MCLS Amateur Photography Contest will be on display, and winners will be recognized and presented with their awards. Additional information will be available on the MCLS Event Calendar.
Details
This is an annual contest for amateur photographers of all ages. Amateur photographers are invited to submit one unframed, unmounted, 5″ x 7″ picture on photo paper with matte finish to their local branch between Monday, August 10, and Monday, September 14. Please note that photos will not be returned to participants. Judges from your local branch will select three photos to advance to the final round of judging by a panel of judges. After judging is complete, winners will be notified, and photos will be displayed for the community.
Theme
A Moment in Our Story
Contest Rules
- Amateur photographers only.
- Photo retouching (including filters) is prohibited.
- Limit one photo entry per person.
- All photographs must be printed on photo paper and sized to 5×7. Matte finish highly preferred.
- Please do not frame the photo.
- Do not put any identifying information on the photo.
- Submit your photo with a completed entry form to your local branch.
- Photographers must live or work in Mercer County.
- MCLS staff and their immediate family members living in the same household are not eligible for prizes, but are encouraged to participate.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, August 10th — Monday, September 14th | Submit your photograph to your local branch. |
| Monday, October 5th | Winners will be announced. |
| Tuesday, October 13th 7:00 pm — 8:00 pm | The reception will be held at the Hickory Corner Branch. |
Final Round Prizes
- 1st Prize: $100 gift card
- 2nd Prize: $50 gift card
- 3rd Prize: $25 gift card
View the Previous Submissions
View past years (2022 and earlier)
2022 Photo Album “Day or Night”
2021 Photo Album: “Happiness Is…”
2020 Photo Album: “People and Places”