Life in Louisville photography contest

How winners are selected

After the submission deadline, a panel of judges selects winners in each category. Louisville residents also vote to choose the People's Choice Award winner.

Winners are announced at a City Council meeting in February and are invited to receive their certificates in person.

Photo categories:

• Buildings and Public Spaces
• Nature and Landscapes
• Sunrises and Sunsets
• Community Events and People
• Animals and Pets
• Student Photography (under age 18)

Judges will sort submitted photos into the appropriate category. You do not need to select a category when you submit.

Judging criteria

Judges look for two things:

How well the photo captures life in Louisville. Think about different perspectives, seasons, and areas around town. Consider beloved Louisville landmarks as well as the everyday moments and places that make life here unique.

Artistic quality and originality. Look for fresh, interesting ways to frame your subject. Photos should be in focus and well-lit. Heavily edited, filtered, or composite images are not accepted.

Photo requirements

Please review all requirements before submitting.

• Photos must have been taken in Louisville, Colorado between January 1 and December 31 of the contest year.
• Photos must be in .JPG, .JPEG, or .PNG format, with a file size no larger than 10MB per photo.
• You may submit up to 5 photos.
• Photos may not include the photographer's name, signature, logo, or website.
• Heavily edited, filtered, or composite images are not allowed.
• Photos that appear to show illegal activity will be disqualified. This includes images of dogs off-leash in areas where leash rules apply.
• Wildlife photos must be respectful of the animals. Photos that suggest the wildlife was disturbed, handled, harassed, or baited will be disqualified.
• Please do not print or mail photos. Digital submissions only.

Photo use and your rights

By submitting photos, you agree to the Photographic Materials Use Agreement. Here is a plain-language summary of what that means:

• You keep ownership and copyright of your photos.
• You grant the City a royalty-free, perpetual license to use your photos for any lawful purpose, including commercial uses. Royalty-free means the City does not pay you each time the photo is used. Perpetual means this permission does not expire.
• Your photos may appear in City publications, online, on TV, in City facilities, or be shared with outside organizations.
• The City will try to credit you whenever your photo is used, but cannot guarantee it in every case.
• Your photos may be cropped or adjusted to fit different uses.
• The Louisville Historical Museum may select photos from the contest to add to its permanent collection.
• Photos are submitted at your own risk. The City is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted photos.
• If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accept the agreement on your behalf.

The full Photographic Materials Use Agreement is available upon request.