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Grants & Open Calls
Open Call: Nebraska Life Photo Contest
Open Call

Nebraska Life Photo Contest

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.

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.”

Sponsored by Rockbrook Camera & Video, a cornerstone of Nebraska’s photography community since 1975.


Deadline: August 31, 2025
2025
Photo of the Year | Capture the “Spirit of Nebraska” through your lens.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Photographer of the Year | Nominate the best photographer in Nebraska.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Water | Making waves and ripples along the rivers, lakes and ponds.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Macro | Tiny wonders revealed – focus in on details most never see.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Aerial & Drone | Soar above Nebraska’s towns, rivers and hills.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Wildlife | Nebraska’s creatures in motion – from cranes to fish and foxes.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Celebration | Joy in motion: festivals, parades and neighborhood fun.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Landscape | Wide horizons and golden fields set the scene.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
History | Step into the past with photos of landmarks, reenactments and relics.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Portrait | Candid or posed, these faces reflect Nebraska’s heart and soul.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Sport | Freeze the action – athletes, fans and the spirit of the game.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Agriculture | Show the hands and lands that feed Nebraska.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Architecture | Capture Nebraska’s bold, humble and historic buildings.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here
2025
Hometown Pride | From corner cafes to Friday lights, celebrate local life.
Apr 1 to Aug 31, 2025
Submit here