The Essex Heritage Photo Contest encourages community members of all ages to head outdoors and capture the living landscapes, unique places, and iconic vistas located in their backyard. Each year, photographers of all levels submit stunning images of the Essex National Heritage Area for a chance to win prizes including cash as well as gift cards and complimentary memberships which are generously donated by local businesses and organizations.

The 2024 winners have been selected! All winning photographs will be on display in the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center for 8 weeks starting in May. Please join us for a special reception to celebrate the winners on Wednesday, February 12th starting at 5:30 pm. The reception is free to attend and all are welcome, but don’t forget to RSVP. Stay tuned for information on the 2025 contest, details forthcoming.

How to Apply

Step 1

First, review our contest rules and requirements sheet:

2024 Photo Contest Rules & Requirements

Step 2

Next, fill out an entry form, you may do this online or you can download the form and submit it to PhotoContest@EssexHeritage.org.

If your submission requires a model release, you can download the model release form below and submit it to PhotoContest@EssexHeritage.org.

We are no longer accepting submissions for the 2024 Essex Heritage Photo Contest. Stay tuned for information on the contest in 2025.

Step 3

To finish up, click here to pay the $10 entry fee electronically. *Note: If you prefer to submit any materials or payments via snail mail, no problem!

Entry is free for the youth category (ages 17 and under).

Address them to:
Attn: Heather Goss
10 Federal Street
Suite 12
Salem MA, 01970

2024 Contest Winners

Grand Prize Winner:

Grand Prize
“Egret Fan Dancers in a Peeking Dawn” by Carin Macnamara

People’s Choice Winner:

People’s Choice
“Sunflowers” by Alison Colby-Campbell

Go Coastal!

From resources to recreation, Essex County’s rocky coast and harbors help define the character of this region. Show us the dramatic ocean views, historic seaports, sandy beaches, and maritime features that make the North Shore so unique.

1st Place
"Sharing is Caring" by Kathy Diamontopoulos
2nd Place
"Aurora at Salem Willows" by Rick Matthias
3rd Place
"Moon Snails" by Bruce McBrien

The Great Outdoors

With hundreds of miles of trails through diverse landscapes, there is no shortage of green spaces to explore in the Essex National Heritage Area. Show us your adventures in the fields, forests, wetlands, and waterways that not only offer beautiful scenery but are crucial habitats for local wildlife.

1st Place
"The Pink Hour" by John Abisamra
2nd Place
"Red-winged Blackbird Feeding Chick" by Ken Jordan
3rd Place
"Lunch Time" by James Reily

Picture Perfect Places

Built environments shape the culture of a place in powerful ways, and few regions have such a wide variety of culturally significant places to discover as Essex County. Show us the quaint little towns, centuries old farms, vibrant cityscapes, public art, and historic structures that tell the story of the Essex National Heritage Area.

1st Place
“Spiraling in Time” by Franco Cutietta
2nd Place
"Rockport Peonies” by Jason Kennedy
3rd Place
"Beaver Moon Rising Over Salem Harbor" by Joyce Wood

Youth Category

Young photographers of all skill levels were invited to submit photographs to the Essex Heritage Photo Contest! The theme for this year is Capture the Moment. Youth contestants should submit photos that capture the essence of your very favorite places or experiences in Essex County.

1st Place
"Dog’s Perspective" by Greyson Collins
2nd Place
"Moonlit Flight" by Jason Mercurio
3rd Place
"Saugus Iron Works" by Alice Dunn

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