Check back in October for the winner reveal!
Entries for the 2026 K12 Photography Competition are now closed.
Thank you to all the talented student photographers who participated this year! Our judges are currently reviewing submissions, and winners will be announced in October 2026.
The deadline to enter was 5 PM (ET) on August 26, 2026.
About the K12 National Photography Competition
Every photo tells a story, and this year students from across the country shared theirs.
For 10 years, student photographers have impressed us with their creativity, originality, and unique perspectives. From everyday moments to extraordinary scenes, this year’s entries showcased the power of visual storytelling through the eyes of young artists.
The submission period has ended, and entries are now being evaluated by our judging panel. Stay tuned for the winner announcement in October 2026.
Who could participate?
The competition was open to:
- All students in grades PreK–12 who currently reside in the U.S. (entrants do not need to be enrolled in a K12-powered school)
- Student photographers of all experience levels
From everyday moments to meaningful visual stories to just really cool images, students shared photos that showcase their creativity and photographic eye.
Prizes for Every Grade Band
A total of 12 winners will be selected across four grade bands:
PreK–2, Grades 3–5, Grades 6–8, and Grades 9–12
Awards
(Winners have a choice of cash or a Tango e-gift card)
1st Place
$500
2nd Place
$250
People’s Choice Voting
Each grade band will have one People’s Choice winner.
People’s Choice voting has now closed.
Thank you to everyone who supported student photographers by casting votes throughout the competition. We appreciate the incredible enthusiasm shown by families, friends, schools, and communities across the country.
People’s Choice winners will be announced alongside all competition winners in October 2026.
People’s Choice Winner (one per grade band)
$100
Capture the Moment, Cast Your Vote
Entry and voting periods have ended for the 2026 competition.
Our judges are currently reviewing submissions from talented student photographers nationwide. Winners, including People’s Choice recipients, will be announced in October 2026.
Be sure to check back soon to view the winning entries and celebrate the creativity of this year’s participants.
Any camera. Any style.
Students could use:
Smartphones
DSLR cameras
Film cameras
Mirrorless cameras
Point-and-shoot cameras
Any other camera type
The focus is on creativity, composition, and storytelling, not the type of camera used.
How Photos Are Judged
All submissions are evaluated by a panel of judges based on:
Creativity and originality
Technical skill and photographic technique
Composition and framing
Storytelling and emotional impact
Competition Timeline
Entry Period & Public Voting (Closed):
May 27–August 26, 2026
Judging Period:
August 31–September 25, 2026
Winners Announced:
October 2026 (date to be announced)
Explore the 2025 Photo Gallery
Get inspired by last year’s winning photography and imagine what you could create.
Before registering, all participants should have reviewed the official rules and regulations. These are the rules you agree to when submitting an entry.
Celebrating 10 Years of Student Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
How many photos could a student submit?
Students could submit multiple entries. Photos must have been taken on or after January 1, 2026. See the Official Rules for full guidelines.
Is photo editing allowed?
Basic photo editing was allowed as long as the final image remained the student’s original work. AI-generated content and/or editing utilizing AI software or tools was not permitted.
Do students need professional equipment to win?
No. Creativity and storytelling are the most important factors.
Who could vote in the People’s Choice contest?
Public voting has closed. Any individual could vote once per day during the voting period: May 27–August 26, 2026
Why does public voting take place before judging?
Public voting took place during the entry period, so every submission has the opportunity to be considered for the People’s Choice award. The earlier an entry was submitted, the more time it had to be seen and garner support.
Where will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced on the K12 Photography Competition website, K12 blogs, and other K12 channels in October 2026.
Can I use AI to generate any part of my photo?
No, AI-generated content of any kind is strictly prohibited from being submitted in the competition.
Who could take the photo?
All photos must be taken by the student submitting the entry, including selfies.
Are photos of celebrities or other individuals permitted?
Only with explicit written permission. Photos taken of other individuals or at concerts and public events require the subject’s consent.
Stay in the know.
