Photography Contest

Photography Contest 2026

The New Brunswick Free Public Library presents its 19th Annual Photography Contest! This year's theme is: "Proud of New Jersey". Capture the people, places, and stories that define the Garden State- past and present. The contest submission form is available to download here. The deadline to submit photos is May 15, 2026. After the deadline, the photographs will be judged by professional photographers and the best ones will be celebrated at our opening reception on June 12, 2026. The contest and related events are free and open to the public of all ages!

Two photography workshops accompany the contest. Attend them for inspiration and tips for your own photographs. Attendance is free. Registration is required.

Photography Workshop 1: How to Take Stunning Photos of Wildlife and Pets with Any Camera.

Led by Professional Photographer Andrew Darlow

Thursday, March 26th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Photographing pets in a studio, at home, or outdoors — as well as wildlife — offers endless creative possibilities, but it can also be challenging. Join award-winning author and photographer Andrew Darlow as he shares practical tips and techniques for photographing pets and wildlife. Topics include lighting options, color temperature adjustments, affordable flash equipment and accessories, how to get pets to look at the camera, using depth of field and motion creatively, capturing expressions, and tips for photographing birds and other wildlife.

Photography Workshop 2: So You Want to Be a Freelance Photographer in New Jersey?

Led by Professional Photographer Ron Wyatt

Thursday, April 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Join professional photographer Ron Wyatt for a fun and informative presentation exploring what it’s like to build a freelance photography career right here in New Jersey. Ron Wyatt will share stories and photos from his 50 year career all with a New Jersey focus. Ron will talk about photographing for the News Tribune and Star-Ledger, covering Giants and Jets games at the Meadowlands, Rutgers and Princeton football, Six Flags assignments, Moscow Ballet visits to NJ, corporate and hospital photography, and some favorite New Jersey locations along the way. Whether you enjoy photography, local history, or just love great stories behind the pictures, this program offers a fascinating look at professional photography right here in New Jersey.

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.

Previous Photography Contest Presentations

You may view the presentations of previous submissions, including winners, with the following links:

Previous Photography Contest Reception Photos

You may view photos of previous years’ Receptions on our Flickr page. Here are links to a few recent albums: