Welcome to Nebraska Life magazine’s inaugural photo contest! Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned pro, we invite you to showcase Nebraska through your lens.
Capture the state’s landscapes, people and traditions across categories like Water, Architecture and Macro. Or submit your best work for consideration as Photo of the Year.
One of the most exciting parts of this contest is the Photographer of the Year award, nominated by our readers. Anyone can nominate a photographer whose work demonstrates both exceptional artistry and a positive impact on our state. We believe art truly does make the world – and our state – a better place.
Since 1975, Rockbrook Camera & Video has been a cornerstone of Nebraska’s photography community, equipping both new and professional photographers with expert knowledge and curated gear. As they approach their 50th anniversary, we are proud to partner with Rockbrook Camera & Video to recognize Nebraska’s talented photographers. Thanks to their generous sponsorship, each first-place photographer will receive a prize redeemable at Rockbrook Camera & Video’s stores in Omaha, Lincoln and online.
Winners will be announced and published in the November/December 2025 and January/February 2026 issues of Nebraska Life. Submissions open April 1 – so grab your camera and help us capture “The Spirit of Nebraska,” the theme for this year’s contest.
• Photo of the Year - Capture the “Spirit of Nebraska” through your lens.
• Photographer of the Year - Nominate the best photographer in Nebraska.
• Water - Making waves and ripples along the rivers, lakes and ponds.
• Macro - Tiny wonders revealed – focus in on details most never see.
• Aerial & Drone - Soar above Nebraska’s towns, rivers and hills.
• Wildlife - Nebraska’s creatures in motion – from cranes to fish and foxes.
• Celebration - Joy in motion: festivals, parades and neighborhood fun.
• Landscape - Wide horizons and golden fields set the scene.
• History - Step into the past with photos of landmarks, reenactments and relics.
• Portrait - Candid or posed, these faces reflect Nebraska’s heart and soul.
• Sport - Freeze the action – athletes, fans and the spirit of the game.
• Agriculture - Show the hands and lands that feed Nebraska.
• Architecture - Capture Nebraska’s bold, humble and historic buildings.
• Hometown Pride - From corner cafes to Friday lights, celebrate local life.
Limit of 5 photos per category. Unlimited number of categories.
Image Requirements:
1. Taken in Nebraska: Jan. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2025.2. Formats: .JPG, .PNG, up to 3 MB.
3. No watermarks - to allow for blind judging of submissions.
CODE OF ETHICS
1. Integrity & Authenticity
• All submitted photos must be original work.
• Minimal post-processing allowed (color correction, cropping, exposure).
• No AI-generated or heavily manipulated images.
• No deceptive alterations (e.g., adding or removing key elements).
2. Fair Play & Respect
• Respect the rights, privacy and dignity of subjects.
• Photos featuring identifiable people must have permission.
• Wildlife photography must follow ethical practices (no harm, baiting or disturbance).
3. Honesty in Submissions
• Plagiarism, copyright infringement or misrepresentation will result in disqualification.
• Entries must align with contest themes and guidelines.
4. Responsible Storytelling
• Images should truthfully represent their subjects.
• Documentary/journalistic photography must not be staged or misrepresented.
5. Compliance with Laws & Rules
• Photographers must follow all local laws regarding photography, including permissions for locations and drone use, particularly if taken on private land.
• Images that depict illegal activities or unethical behavior will be disqualified.
6. Sportsmanship & Conduct
• Participants must engage fairly.
• Fraudulent voting or unethical behavior will lead to disqualification.
• Judges’ and organizers’ decisions are final.
By entering, you agree to follow these ethical guidelines.
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