Open Space Photography Show

This means Redding Land Trust’s 2000+ acres, Town of Redding property, Centennial Watershed State Forest marked trails, The Nature Conservancy’s Devil’s Den (Redding portions), Connecticut Audubon Society’s Huckleberry Swamp/Steichen Memorial Preserve, and Huntington and Putnam Memorial State Parks. Provide the date and location of each photograph submitted.

Photographs must be original and may be in color or black and white. Manipulation beyond standard editing is prohibited (see FAQs below). The maximum file size for each submitted photograph is 10.8MB.

Photographers 20 years of age and older will be eligible for the main prizes. Photographers from 14 to 19 years of age will be eligible for the high school prizes. Photographers 13 years of age and younger will be eligible for the youth prizes. (Redding Land Trust trustees may submit photographs for exhibition, but will not be eligible for prizes.)

Evaluation of photographs will be anonymous, based solely on artistic merit. Trustees are eligible to submit photographs, but are not eligible for prizes and will be judged anonymously like other entrants.

First: $500
Second: $300
Third: $200

First: $300
Second: $200
Third: $100

First: $80
Second: $60
Third: $40

All photographers will be notified by May 15, 2026, of the status of their submissions. Prize winners will be notified privately during the week of May 25, 2026 and announced publicly at the reception on June 3, 2026.

Finalists must print accepted photographs from files of the highest possible resolution (at least 200 dpi) and frame them for hanging in a plain black frame and white mat (if matted), with a maximum length of 24 inches in either direction (including the frame). Framed prints must be delivered to Mark Twain Library on June 1, 2026, between 11am and 2pm.

All finalists will have their photographs on display at the Mark Twain Library. More information, such as the exhibit duration, will be announced.

The public is invited to a free opening reception with beverages and light refreshments to view the admitted entries. The date, time, and location will be announced.

All framed pieces included in the Photography Show must be picked up by the photographer at Mark Twain Library once the exhibit has concluded. The date and time will be announced. A $10 handling fee will be charged for late pickups.

No. Your photograph must be of public open space in Redding. This means Redding Land Trust’s 2000+ acres, Town of Redding property, Centennial Watershed State Forest marked trails, The Nature Conservancy’s Devil’s Den (Redding portions), Connecticut Audubon Society’s Huckleberry Swamp/Steichen Memorial Preserve, and Huntington and Putnam Memorial State Parks. Remember that all Land Trust- and Town-owned properties allow wandering off-trail. Along with each photo, include the site of the photo (with coordinates, if possible) so others can find the location!

Yes! All photographers who love Redding open space are welcome to submit their photos. The only requirement is that the location of the shot must be Redding open space.

Yes. The Photography Show will include both color and black and white photographs, and we encourage a diverse range of perspectives, seasons, and time of day.

Standard photo editing, including cropping and realistic adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color, are acceptable. The addition, removal, or distortion of elements is not allowed.

The spirit of the show is to celebrate open space, so naturally occurring, nonhuman subjects should be the overall focus of your compositions. Human figures and built structures or objects should not fill most of the frame.

Yes, if it is of Redding open space. Please include the date and location.

Yes. If your photograph(s) are accepted into the show, you will have to bring them printed, framed in a plain black frame with white mat (if matted), and ready to hang on June 1, 2026. It is not necessary to incur major expenses for printing or framing; the artistic value of your photograph is most important. Finalists will be provided with more detailed requirements and information about options such as printing at home, using ready-made frames, or working with professional printers and framers (including local shops offering discounts for the Show).

The maximum size is up to 24 inches in any direction, including the frame.

Yes. If you choose to offer your photograph(s) for sale, the exhibit card(s) will say so and your contact details and price will be included in a binder/price list at the show. Any transaction will be conducted privately between you and the buyer, without the involvement of Redding Land Trust or Mark Twain Library.

Yes, we encourage both amateurs and professionals to participate!

No, you do not need any special or expensive equipment. You can take photographs using any camera, including smartphone, digital, analog, mirrorless, action, compact, etc.