Photo Show 2026

SMAC’s 30th Annual Photography Contest and Show

Entry Deadline Extended to May 1, 2026

Friday May 15 - Sunday May 17

Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place
2500 Hardy Rd.
Hardy, VA

Awards Ceremony: Friday, May 15
Exhibit: Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
and Sunday Noon – 3 pm
FREE and Open to Public

Entry deadline extended to: May 1, 2026
(Originally April 24, 2026)

The contest is open to all photographers – casual, amateur and professional.

Entry fees:
SMAC Members – $10 per entry
Non-members – $15 per entry
Youth category (18 and under, or enrolled high school student) – No fee

Awards:
Best in Show: $300
1st in Category: $100
2nd in Category: $50
3rd in Category: $25
Special Recognition: Ribbon

Meet the Judge
Shawn O'Connor

We are happy to welcome Shawn O’Connor, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts and Studio Art Program Lead at Sweet Briar College, as judge for SMAC’s 30th annual Photo Show. Professor O’Connor completed his BFA degree at the University of Southern Maine and received his MFA from Syracuse University. He spent a year as artist-in-residence at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee and traveled to China as a visiting artist for West Virginia University. He has also held positions at St. Lawrence University and the University of North Dakota.
Decorative line