Photo Contest

Multiple Categories • Multiple Awards

Thanks To Everyone Who Participated In Our Contest!
Click Here
To View The Winners

Over $2,500 In Prizes Available!You are able to enter up to five (5) photos per category (50, in total for the contest), provided that none of them were entered in a previous year’s edition of the contest. Please note that if you enter a photo in one category, it may not be entered in another – you can only enter it once. All photos entered will be considered for the Best Overall and Fan Favorite prize. For a complete list of FAQ’s, click here. For complete photo contest rules and criteria, click here.

Prizes Available:

• $200 Best Photo In Each Category
• $200 Best Overall Photo
• $100 Fan Favorite Photo

In addition, all five category finalists as selected by the judges will receive an “ETX Traveler” prize package.

Entering the contest is FREE, but the Texas Forest Trail would greatly appreciate your support. As a 501(c)(3) charity organization, donations are always welcome and go to support our efforts in promoting East Texas. If you would like to support our cause, please click here for a number of ways in which you can donate.

Here Are The Categories We Are Accepting Entries For:

Spring/Summer In ETX

Share your photos that capture the beauty of ETX in the Spring/Summer. Maybe it’s fields of wildflowers, your favorite fishing spot or the kids experiencing their hometown past times. Share the places or moments in time that represent our neck of the woods.
Winner in this category will receive $200.
This category is sponsored by:

Contest Closed
Category Prize

Fall/Winter In ETX

Share your photos that capture the beauty of ETX in the Fall/Winter The changing leaves and occasional snowfall turn ETX into a beautiful backdrop for activity in cooler weather. Share what you do when the cooler weather comes around.
Winner in this category will receive $200.
This category is sponsored by:

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Category Prize

Tyler Through My Window

Tyler is growing and flourishing right before our eyes. Take photos of the beautiful life in Tyler, Texas as you see it. This might be eating at a restaurant, enjoying live entertainment, public art displays, and more!
Winner in this category will receive $200.

This category is sponsored by:

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Category Prize

Nacogdoches – It’s In Our Nature

Celebrate everyday life in historic Nacogdoches! Take photos that represent your unique perspective of the oldest town in Texas. From college students to business owners, we welcome a variety of different views.
Winner in this category will receive $200.

This category is sponsored by:

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Category Prize

East Texas Historical Sites

East Texas is home to many historic sites including those designated by the Texas Historical Commission. Submit photos from your visit and be a part of sharing our rich history from the past. To view a summary of the designated historic sites in East Texas, click here.
Winner in this category will receive $200.

This category is sponsored by:

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Category Prize

The Great Outdoors In Palestine

Share your photos of outside activities like riding the vintage trains at the Palestine Depot, enjoying beautiful sunshine during the Fairy Garden trail, .or experiencing the nature that surrounds Palestine.
Winner in this category will receive $200.
This category is sponsored by:

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Category Prize

Only In Kilgore, Texas

Kilgore, AKA “The city of stars” would like you to submit your photos of the attractions, museums, festivals, places, and scenes that can only be experienced in Kilgore.
Winner in this category will receive $200.

This category is sponsored by:

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Category Prize

Port Arthur’s Unique Life

From coastal activities to peaceful marshes, lakes, a historical site, bridges, museums and temples, Port Arthur encompasses a variety of unique experiences. Let your photos offer your perspective on this distinct area.
Winner in this category will receive $200.

This category is sponsored by:

Contest Closed
Category Prize

The Beauty Of Deep East Texas

Submit photos that highlight the hardworking people of deep East Texas (must be in the following counties: Angelina, Nacogdoches, Sabine, Tyler, Newton, San Jacinto, San Augustine, Jasper, Houston, Shelby, Trinity, & Polk).
Winner in this category will receive $200.

This category is sponsored by:

Contest Closed
Category Prize

Trade Street Signs For Trail Markers

East Texas has some of the most beautiful parks and forests in Texas. We want to see how you view these amazing areas – the lakes, camping, fishing, outdoor recreation, and the wildlife…to name a few.
Winner in this category will receive $200.

This category is in support of:

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Category Prize

A big East Texas thank you goes out to all of the sponsors for this contest. Without them, this contest would not be possible.

Best Photo In Contest Sponsor:

Fan Favorite Sponsor:

Category Sponsors:

Photo Contest FAQ’s

What photos will be eligible for entry?
Photos fitting into any of the contest categories will be eligible provided that they were taken in the 35 counties that encompass the Texas Forest Trail Region in East Texas. The 35 counties are:
Angelina • Anderson • Bowie • Camp • Case • Cherokee • Gregg • Franklin • Hardin • Harrison • Henderson • Houston • Jasper • Jefferson • Marion • Montgomery • Morris • Nacogdoches • Newton • Orange • Panola • Polk • Red River • Rusk • Sabine • San Augustine • San Jacinto • Shelby • Smith • Titus • Trinity • Tyler • Upshur • Walker • Wood
Must photos have been taken during the current contest year to be eligible for entry?
Photos from any year are eligible for entry provided that they have not been
entered in an earlier year’s edition of the contest. If you have good photos taken in the
past, you are urged to enter them.
Will non-digital photos be eligible for entry?
The contest is restricted to digital photographs, but you may convert your non-digital photos to a digital format to make them eligible for entry.
Will I be eligible to enter the contest even if I don’t live in East Texas?
Yes, any photographer is eligible to enter the contest as long as the photo was taken in East Texas.
Will I be eligible to enter, even if I’ve been a winner in a previous year’s edition of the contest?
Yes, all photographers are welcomed and encouraged to enter, including winners of previous contests.
Will I receive credit if my photos are used for publicity, display, or fund raising?
We can’t promise you this, but every attempt will be made to give credit when reasonably possible.
How will the contest entries be judged?
A panel of East Texans will evaluate each entry for creativity, wow factor, and theme related composure.
How many photos will I be able to enter?

You will be able to enter up to five (5) photos per category, provided that none of them were entered in a previous year’s edition of the contest. That means you can enter a total of 50 photos – so get that camera out!

How long will the contest be open?
This year, we will be running our contest from September 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.
What are the format requirements for the photo files?

Photos must be submitted in .jpg format. Large format photos (original size) are requested as they provide better clarity and resolution of the photo.

Is manipulation of images allowed?
Any manipulation of images must be limited to cropping and minor adjustments of color and contrast. Any other manipulation will make the photo ineligible for entry.
By entering, will I give up the copyright for my photo?
You must be the original owner of the copyright for your photo to be eligible for entry, and you will retain this copyright. By submitting an entry, you will give permission for royalty-free use of your entered photograph for publicity, display, and fund-raising.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced once the contest closes. Check back on texas.dream.press for updates on the contest.
What if I have a question not answered above?
Please feel free to contact the Texas Forest Trail via our contact us page by clicking here
For complete photo contest rules and criteria, click here

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