Photo Contest
The Utah Lake Authority hosts a photo contest each year. This contest is sponsored by several local businesses. Our favorite pictures promote the beauty of Utah Lake, the fun recreational activities available there!
As the Authority, our efforts in this contest are centered on showing Utah County and the rest of the world the beautiful scenery and entertaining recreation found at Utah Lake.
Check out the rules for the 2026 Utah Lake Photo Contest below!
Submission Period
Submissions open July 18, 2026, at 12:01am and close on October 1, 2026, 11:59pm. We will announce winners sometime in mid October.
Contest Categories
Submit your scenic photos for a chance to win! Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, Utah Lake offers a canvas of breathtaking views waiting to be framed.
- Scenic in Focus: Look beyond the obvious. Venture around Utah Lake's perimeter. From sandy beaches to rugged trails Utah Lake has diverse landscapes.
- Discover: Participate with curiosity! Immerse yourself in the lake's history, geology, and ecology. Learn about the native fish, wetlands restoration efforts, and the battle against invasive plants.
Submit your most fun photos for a chance to win! Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, the 'Fun' category invites you to capture the lighter side of Utah Lake.
- Playful Moments: Seek out joy and spontaneity. Show us the moments that make Utah Lake a hub of happiness and adventure.
- Eco-Discovery: Fun isn't just about snapshots; it's about learning too! Learn the lake's ecology. Spot native fish, observe wetland plants, find some anglers, and marvel at the intricate balance of life.
Submit your wildlife photos for a chance to win! Whether you're an amateur photographer or a pro, the 'Wildlife' category invites you to capture the untamed spirit of Utah Lake.
- Embrace Life: Utah Lake is full of wildlife. Whether it's the flight of our avian residents, the variety of fish, or the elusive animals nestled within the flora, capture those moments that define Utah Lake as a vibrant hub for life.
- Discover: Learn about Utah Lake's conservation efforts. Learn about the battle against invasive species. Celebrate the success like the return of native fish and the revival of marsh habitats.
How to Enter
Remember, it's not just about winning. It's about celebrating Utah Lake's beauty, fun, wildlife. So grab your camera, breathe in the fresh air, and let the scenery unfold before your lens.
Prizes Await! The top scenic photo will receive a generous cash reward. Ready to get out there? Just click below to sign up and start capturing your winning photo! Please submit the highest-quality photo you have.
Prizes
- Grand Prize: the overall grand prize for our Utah Lake Photo Contest is $1000!
- First Place: in each category, we will award a 1st place prize of $500
- Second Place: in each category, we'll award a 2nd place prize of $250
- Third Place: in each category, we'll award a 3rd place prize of $100
- Honorary Mention: an Honorary Mention comes with a $50 reward, and it also grants us permission to use the photographer's exceptional photo.
More Information
Photos will be judged according to the following criteria: originality, overall impact, artistic merit, relevance to Utah Lake and its scenery and recreational opportunities. Judging will be conducted by a panel selected by Utah Lake Authority at its sole discretion.
You will be notified by email in October if your photo is selected for inclusion in Utah Lake Authority's symposium via the email address provided at the time of entry.
For 2026 the winners gallery is TBD. The winners from all three categories will also be displayed on our social media.