The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The 15th Annual “It’s Uniquely Alleghany!” Calendar Photo Contest is now underway, with all entries due
at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism offices by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 26,
2025. Locals, visitors, amateurs, and professionals are invited to capture the images that make our area
Uniquely Alleghany. Suggested themes this year include: (1) Unique Alleghany Highlands outdoor recreation,
(2) Unique Alleghany Highlands icons and landmarks, (3) Unique Alleghany Highlands festivals and events,
and (4) seasonal – spring, summer, fall, and winter.
The contest is free to enter and open to photographers of all ages. “The contest continues to highlight the
incredible scenery and beauty of the Alleghany Highlands,” said Makayla Nobles, Events & Special Projects
Coordinator for the Chamber. “We encourage everyone, from seasoned photographers to students just learning
the craft, to share their perspectives of our area.”
Each photographer may submit up to seven (7) images. The Best Overall Photo will be featured on the cover of
the 2026 It’s Uniquely Alleghany! Calendar and awarded a cash prize. Twelve images will be selected to
represent each month, with additional photos chosen as small inset photos featured throughout the calendar. In
addition, one winning entry will be selected for the 2026 Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and
Tourism Christmas card. Images must have been taken within the last three years in the Alleghany Highlands of
Virginia. Digital enhancement, correction, and cleanup are allowed, but alteration of the subject, composite
images, borders, filters, text, and signatures are not permitted. Photos must be original and not previously
published in promotional materials or websites. Images may be submitted in color or black & white. Please see
the Entry Form for all rules and regulations.
Entries may be submitted digitally via Google Drive link (New in 2025!) or physically on a CD or USB drive.
Printed photos will not be accepted. All entries must be high-resolution JPG (jpeg) files (8×10, horizontal
format, 300 dpi). Filenames should include the entry number, photographer’s first initial and last name, and the
photo title (e.g., 1-JSmith_WinterWonderland.jpg). If the image contains identifiable people, a model release
form must be included. If the image contains privately owned buildings or structures, a property release form
must be provided.
Mail or deliver CDs/USBs to:
Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Attn: Uniquely Alleghany Photo Contest
110 Mall Road, Covington, VA 24426
Digital entries (with completed forms) should be submitted via Google Drive link emailed to
mnobles@ahchamber.com, with the subject line: “Calendar Photo Submission – [Your Name].”
All entries must include an Entry Form and Photo Release Form. Forms and complete rules are available by
pickup at the Chamber office, or they can be sent to you via email by emailing mnobles@ahchamber.com.
Once submitted, all submitted photos become the property of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce
& Tourism. The Chamber reserves the right to use the entries in publications, promotional materials, and online
platforms. Winners will be notified in October 2025.
