Whether it’s a dramatic Texas sunset, a child’s smile, a historic building, a colorful plate of food, or a quiet moment on the grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, photographers will once again have the opportunity to share their creativity and compete for recognition in the museum’s annual photography contest.
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library has announced its 16th Annual Photo Contest, inviting amateur and advanced photographers to submit their best photos for a public exhibition that will be displayed later this fall.
This year’s contest features nine categories designed to showcase a wide variety of photographic styles and subjects. Categories include Sam Houston Museum and Grounds, Action, Animals, Architecture, Cuisine/Food, Fashion, Floral, Portrait, and the newly added America250 category.
The America250 category was added in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and encourages photographers to explore images that celebrate American heritage, culture, patriotism, and the people and places that help define the country.
The contest is divided into Amateur and Advanced divisions, allowing photographers to compete alongside others with similar experience levels. According to museum officials, photographers should enter the Advanced Division if they have earned income from photography, promote photography services or sales through a website or social media presence, or regularly watermark their images.
Participants may enter as many categories as they wish, although no more than two photographs may be submitted in each category. All entries must be submitted as 8-by-10-inch prints and accompanied by an application form and a $5 entry fee for each photograph. Entries must be received by the museum no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Museum staff note that black-and-white photography is welcome in any category and that post-processing is permitted. However, photographs may not be signed, dated, matted, framed, or submitted in any size other than 8-by-10 inches.
Selected entries will be displayed in the gallery of the Katy & E. Don Walker Sr. Education Center from November 5 through December 20, giving visitors an opportunity to view the work of photographers from across Texas. Amateur and Advanced entries will be judged separately by a panel of judges during a private judging session. Cash prizes and gifts will be awarded to contest winners.
The public is also invited to attend the Artist and Awards Reception on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Awards will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Contestants do not need to be present to win.
For many photographers, the contest provides more than just a chance to win an award. It offers an opportunity to have their photos displayed in a museum setting and viewed by hundreds of visitors throughout the exhibition period.
Applications and complete contest information are available through the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Entries may be mailed to SHSU Box 2057, Huntsville, Texas 77341, or delivered to the Memorial Museum, Wigwam Neosho Museum Store, or the Katy & E. Don Walker Sr. Education Center.
For additional information, contact Curator of Exhibits Tod Lawlis at [email protected].
