CATEGORIES

This category is for photographs showcasing the diverse and scenic landscapes of America, that define the nation's natural beauty.

• Mountains/Peaks
• National Parks/Wilderness
• Coastlines/Beaches
• Deserts/Dunes
• Forests/Woodlands
• Lakes/Reflections
• Rivers/Waterfalls
• Canyons/Gorges
• Islands and Coastal Scenery
• Prairies/Grasslands
• Volcanoes and Geothermal Features
• Seasonal Landscapes
• Cultural and Historical Landscapes
• Sunrises/ Sunsets
• Astro-Landscapes
• Other (Landscapes that fall outside of the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs highlighting the charm and character of small towns across the country, this category captures the nostalgic and idyllic aspects of Main Street USA.

• Main Street Life
• Small Town Landmarks
• Events/Festivals/Celebrations
• Historic Architecture
• Local Cuisine/Dining
• Family/Community Life
• Nightlife in Small Towns
• Small Town Art/Murals
• Other (Small Town photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that captures the vibrancy, energy and diverse culture found in cities across the United States.

• Street Photography
• City Skylines
• People
• Public Transportation
• City Lights/Nightlife
• Celebrations/Events/Parades
• Urban Landmarks
• City Culture/Street Art
• Water/Glass City Reflections
• Other (City Life photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that celebrate the rich cultural legacy and historical significance of the United States.

• Historic Landmarks/Monuments
• Living History/Re-enactments/Events
• Native American Heritage
• American Revolution
• Civil War/Reconstruction
• Pioneers and Settlers
• Immigrant Stories
• Civil Rights Movement
• Industrial Revolution
• Documents/Artifacts
• Founding Fathers/Political Figures
• Great Depression Era
• Exploration/Expansion/American Frontier
• Other (Historical/Heritage photographs that fall outside the range of the above categories)

This category is for photographs that evoke a sense of patriotism and pride, includes photographs of national symbols, flags and landmarks.

• American Flag
• Patriotic Events/Celebrations
• Monuments/Memorials
• Military and Veterans
• National Anthem/Pledge of Allegiance
• American Bald Eagle
• The Statue of Liberty
• American Symbols in Art and Architecture
• Presidential Moments
• American Symbols in Everyday Life
• Holidays/National Observances
• National Cemeteries
• Public Demonstrations of Patriotism
• Parades/Marches
• Other (Patriotism & National Symbolism photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that capture the essence and diverse culinary traditions found throughout the United States.

• Regional Dishes
• Farm-to-Table
• Street Food/Food Trucks
• Seafood Delicacies
• BBQ & Grilling
• Soul Food/Southern Cuisine
• Cultural Fusions
• Food Festivals/Culinary Events
• Desserts/Sweet Treats
• Comfort/Fast Foods
• Craft Brews/Beverages
• Food Styling/Artistry/Presentations
• Celebrations/Holidays
• Other (American Cuisine and Food photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that capture the natural elements and the vast and diverse ecosystems of the United States.

• Trees
• Seascapes
• Underwater
• Flowers
• Plants/Fungi
• Macro
• Seasons
• Sunsets
• Astrophotography
• Weather/Storms
• Landscape
• Desert/Dunes/Flora
• Natural Abstracts
• Other (Nature photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs capturing the dynamic and thrilling moments in all sports, including editorial, artistic, competitive or recreational.

• Action Shots
• Celebrations
• Portraits
• Behind the Scenes
• Fans
• Stadium/Venue Shots
• Sports Photojournalism
• Extreme Sports
• Sports Collisions
• Sports Lifestyle
• Historical Moments
• Aerial
• Other (Sports photography that falls outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs celebrating the nostalgia and quirkiness of roadside landmarks and the iconic Route 66.

• Classic Route 66 Motels/Diners
• Giant Roadside Statues
• Vintage Gas Stations
• Roadside Americana Art
• Historic Route 66 Landmarks
• Retro Signage
• Neon Lights and Nightscapes
• Other (Roadside/Route 66 photography that falls outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that capture the essence and personality of an individual or a group of people.

• Traditional
• Lifestyle
• Candid
• Fine Art
• Family/Group
• Generation Portraits
• Environmental/Subjects in Natural Surroundings
• Cultural/Ethnic Portraits
• Celebrity/Public Figures
• Self-Portrait
• Conceptual
• Other (Portrait photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that document and capture moments that convey powerful narratives. Tell stories and real-life events about people and issues that evoke emotions in the United States.

• Social/Political Issues
• War & Conflict
• Environmental
• Disasters/Humanitarian Crises
• Politics & Elections
• Lifestyle/Cultural Events
• General News
• Health/Medical
• Economic/Labor Issues
• Human Interest Stories
• Personality Portraiture
• Sports
• Other (Editorial/Press photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that showcase clothing, accessories and beauty in artistic and commercial contexts. Communicating style, trends and brand identity.

• Editorial
• Haute Couture
• Runway
• Street Style
• Beauty/Makeup
• Fashion Items/Accessories
• Fashion Portraits
• Conceptual/Abstract
• Vintage/Retro
• Lifestyle
• Sustainable/Ethical Fashion
• Swimwear/Lingerie
• Celebrity/Red Carpet
• Other (Fashion photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that explore the human nude body as a canvas for artistic expression, through form, composition, emotional content and other aesthetic qualities.

• Fine Art
• Classic Nude
• Black & White
• Nature & Nude
• Portrait
• Historical Artistic Styles
• Abstract
• Conceptual
• Bodyscapes
• Dance/Movement
• Implied Nude/Non Explicit
• Other (Nude photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs of buildings, structures, interiors, exteriors that capture the diverse architectural styles present throughout the United States.

• Cityscapes
• Buildings
• Historic
• Bridges/Infrastructure
• Abstract
• Modern Contemporary
• Landmarks & Monuments
• Interiors
• Industrial
• Religious
• Other (Architecture and Landmark photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that push the boundaries of creativity to express ideas, emotions, and concepts, often focusing on aesthetics, composition, and storytelling that goes beyond commercial and documentary purposes.

• Abstract
• Conceptual
• Surreal
• Minimalist
• Black and White
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Still Life
• Environmental
• Nudes
• Collage
• Photographic Mixed Media
• Experimental/Alternative Processes
• Other (Fine Art photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that serve as a visual marketing tool to sell, promote, advertise products, brands and services.

• Product
• Food & Beverage
• Fashion & Apparel
• Automotive
• Beauty & Cosmetics
• Travel
• Lifestyle
• Health/Wellness
• Technology
• Home/Interior
• Corporate/Business
• Seasonal/Holiday
• Music
• Self-Promotion
• Other (Advertising photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that are non-objective, conceptual and experimental with no fixed rules or subject matter. Allowing photographers to challenge perceptions of the object world and experiment with various styles and move beyond the confines of reality.

• Colors
• Geometric
• Light/Shadow
• Textural
• Motion/Blur
• Macro
• Multiple Exposure
• Reflection
• Collage
• Camera Movement
• Conceptual
• Minimalist
• Digital Manipulation
• Other (Abstract photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that capture unique stages of childhood and adolescence, giving insights into the unique perspectives and experiences of children and teenagers.

• Portrait
• Candid Moments
• Family/Group
• Play/Recreation
• School/Education
• Nature/Outdoors
• Culture/Traditions
• Youth Activism/Social Issues
• Teenage Life
• Friends/Relationships
• Fine Art
• Street Photography
• Fashion
• Other (Children and Youth photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that capture the energy, emotions, and artistic expressions of musicians, dancers, actors and other performers in the vibrant world of American Music and Performing Arts.

• Concert/Festival
• Portrait
• Album/Cover Art
• Behind the Scenes
• Dance
• Theater/Drama
• Street/Urban Art
• Instruments
• Events/Installations
• Cultural/Traditional
• Opera/Classical
• Street Performances
• Comedy/Stand-Up
• Other (American Music & Performing Arts photography that falls outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that capture inanimate subject matter, objects, arrangements, or compositions in a visually appealing and creative way.

• Traditional/Fruits/Flowers/Vases/Everyday Items
• Food
• Product
• Minimalist
• Conceptual
• Macro
• Vintage/Antique
• Studio
• Nature
• Abstract
• Architectural
• Textures
• Musical Instruments
• Other (Still Life photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that capture animals beauty, behavior and diversity in their natural habitats.

• Birds of Prey
• Mammals
• Marine Life
• Birds
• Reptiles/Amphibians
• Insects/Arachnids
• Endangered/Rare Species
• Wildlife in National Parks
• Urban Wildlife
• Predators & Prey
• Behavior
• Nocturnal Wildlife
• Other (Wildlife photographs that fall outside the above categories)