07/09/2025
It's that time of year again! We are so excited to announce that our popular America the Beautiful Photo Contest will officially open for submissions on Monday, July 14, 2025! It will be the fifth installment of our annual contest that has proudly displayed the best of American scenic beauty from all over the country. Last year's contest saw record-breaking participation and we hope to continue that trend this year!
Photographers are encouraged to submit up to five scenic photos beginning on Monday, July 14 through Sunday, August 17. A public vote for "People's Choice" will be held from Monday, August 18 through Sunday, August 31. All winners will be announced the week of September 8.
The contest will be open to photographers of all skill levels and abilities and will include nine unique categories:
1. Mountains and Hills
2. Parks and Open Spaces
3. Beaches, Oceans, and Shorelines
4. Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds
5. Trees and Forests
6. Highways, Roads, and Byways
7. Animals
8. Cities and Towns
9. People
All photos will be judged by an independent panel of creatives based on the following criteria:
- Representation of scenic beauty
- Originality
- Technical excellence
- Composition
- Overall impact
- Minimal altering and manipulation
- Artistic merit
The following winners will be announced the week of September 8:
- Category Winners and Category Runners-Up
- Overall Best in Show and Overall Runners-Up
- People's Choice Winner and People's Choice Runners-Up
Stay tuned for more information, and get your scenic photos ready!
Sincerely, Scenic America
Scenic America is the only national nonprofit that helps citizens safeguard the scenic qualities of America’s roadways, countryside, towns, and cities.