Just picture it – then enter it in the Stark Parks Winter Photo Contest

Many Ohioans may not love the cold, snow and ice, but photographers – amateur and professional –often treasure winter for its crisp landscapes and active wildlife. 

Stark Parks is encouraging area residents to embrace the season and submit their best nature images to its annual Winter Photo Contest, which runs through March 13, 2026.

The long-running contest features three categories: Wildlife, Landscape/Scenery and People Enjoying Nature. Photos must be taken at Stark Parks locations, and entries are judged on creativity, originality, quality and overall representation of the parks.

“Any photo taken around the parks should be able to fit into one of these categories,” said Emma Weisent, education programmer at Stark Parks. “I don’t get many submissions from the youth categories, and I’d love to see more kids out in the parks snapping pictures.”

Age groups are divided into 9-13, 14-17 and 18-plus, and amateur photographers may submit one photo per category for a total of three entries. Winners in each category and age group receive a personalized engraved wooden frame featuring their winning image. A People’s Choice Award is also given to the photo that earns the most “likes” on Stark Parks’ Facebook page, where all entries are displayed in a public album.

Weisent, who has overseen the contest since 2021, typically sees about 35 photographers participate each winter. She said the project resonates with her personally. “When I was in middle school, I submitted a photo of a flower to my local park system and won an award. I’ll never forget the proud feeling I had,” she said. “When I started with Stark Parks in 2019, I realized I now had the opportunity to give other people the same proud feeling.”

Judges are experienced local wildlife or landscape photographers who review images without names attached. While minor editing such as brightness or cropping is permitted, Stark Parks limits heavy photo manipulation to preserve the natural beauty of the parks. Drone photography is not allowed, and photos containing watermarks or timestamps are not accepted.

Photos submitted to the contest may be used – with full credit – across Stark Parks publications, newsletters, social media and its annual holiday card. After the contest, photographers are invited to drop off a framed 8-by-10 print at the Exploration Gateway for a temporary public display.

Weisent encourages photographers to explore the parks in all kinds of weather. “Phones have great cameras nowadays,” she said. “Experiment with angles and perspectives. Go out after a fresh snowfall or visit at golden hour. And don’t forget – all photos must be taken at a Stark Parks park or trail.”

She also reminds readers that Stark Parks hosts a Summer Photo Contest from June 1 to Sept. 11, 2026.

For full contest rules, age categories, prize details and submission instructions, visit starkparks.com or email photocontest@starkparks.com.