VL_PhotoAwards2026

 
 

About Virginia Living Photography Awards

Get ready to see Virginia through a whole new lens. The Virginia Living Photography Awards is our inaugural statewide celebration of the Commonwealth’s most gifted visual storytellers—whether you shoot with a DSLR or just really know your way around an iPhone.

Meet Our Judges

VLPA 2026 At a Glance

Timeline

  • ✅ Submissions Open: Now through Oct 31
  • 🎯 Early Bird Ends:  September 14, 11:59 PM
  • 🗳️ Voting Period: November 1-30
  • 🏆 Winners Announced: January 2026

Divisions & Categories 

  • 🌟 Professional
  • 🌟 Amateur
  • 🏛️ People & Lifestyle
  • 🦌 Nature & Wildlife
  • 📰 Documentary
  • 🎨 Experimental
  • 🤖 AI-Generated

Prizes

  • ✨ Featured in Virginia Living Magazine
  • 🏛️ Exhibition at a Well-Known Gallery
  • 🏆 Professional recognition
  • 📸 Statewide exposure
  •  
  • More prizes coming soon!

Submission Process

Submit your work and enter the contest to win the exclusive prizes! The process is pretty straight-forward:  

1. Click Submit Your Work → 2. Select Devision (Professional/Amatuer) → 3. Choose Category & Add Details → 4. Upload your Photo(s) → 5. Payment → 6. Confirmation email  – And DONE! You're IN! 🎉  

🔸 Most photographers complete submission in under 15 minutes!

 

Submit your photo now!

BIG Prizes!

Win a spot on Quirk Gallery wall!

Quirk Hotel & Gallery will host all Virginia Living Photography Awards 2026 winners in a prestigious exhibition this January/February 2026.  Winners will be featured in a gallery show with an opening reception celebrating their achievement. Additional prize packages will be announced soon!

Your Photo in Print! Featured in Virginia Living Magazine.

First place winners earn the ultimate recognition—publication in Virginia Living's January/February 2026 issue, reaching many readers statewide. Your photograph won't just win a prize; it will become part of Virginia's visual legacy, displayed in homes across the Commonwealth. This is your chance to see your name and work in print.

  Helpful Resources

Questions? We've got answers for you! Please make sure to read the Terms & Conditions document before you submit your work.    Check out the FAQ page too! I'm sure we've covered most of your questions.

Terms & Conditions

FAQ

  • • Common questions answered
  • • Technical help
  • • Submission tips
  • Visit FAQ →

Category Guide

Still need help?  

We're Here to Support You!

 


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL