The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) – The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is once again inviting photographers of all ages to showcase the beauty of the Alleghany Highlands through its annual “It’s Uniquely Alleghany!” Calendar Photo Contest. Entries are now being accepted for the 16th Annual contest and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Every season tells a story in the Alleghany Highlands, and the Chamber invites photographers of all levels and ages to help tell that story through images that capture the region’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant community.
Suggested photo themes include:
Unique Alleghany Highlands outdoor recreation
Unique Alleghany Highlands icons and landmarks
Unique Alleghany Highlands festivals and events
The beauty of spring, summer, fall, and winter throughout the region
“The Alleghany Highlands offers incredible beauty in every season, and this contest is an opportunity to celebrate the places and experiences that make our community special,” said Josh Taylor, Executive Director at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “Every year we’re amazed by the talent of the photographers who participate, and we look forward to seeing this year’s unique perspectives.”
The contest is free to enter and open to photographers of all ages. Each photographer may submit up to seven (7) images.
The Best Overall Photo will be featured on the cover of the 2027 It’s Uniquely Alleghany! Calendar and will receive a cash prize. Twelve additional photographs will be selected to represent each month of the calendar, while other outstanding images may be featured as inset photographs throughout the publication. One winning image will also be selected for the Chamber’s 2026 Christmas card.
“The calendar has become one of our favorite annual projects because it showcases our region through the eyes of the people who know and love it best,” Makayla Nobles, Events & Special Projects Coordinator for the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, added. “We hope this year’s contest inspires photographers to explore the Alleghany Highlands and capture the moments that tell our story.”
Photos must have been taken within the last three years in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia. Images may be submitted in color or black and white and must be original works that have not previously been published in promotional materials or on websites. Digital correction and cleanup are permitted; however, alterations to the subject, composite images, borders, filters, text, and signatures are not allowed.
Entries must be submitted as high-resolution JPG (JPEG) files in an 8×10 horizontal format at 300 dpi. Printed photographs will not be accepted. Photographers may submit entries digitally through a Google Drive link or on a CD or USB drive.
File names should include the entry number, photographer’s first initial and last name, and the photo title (example: 1-JSmith_WinterWonderland.jpg). If a photograph includes identifiable individuals, a completed model release form must accompany the submission. Images containing privately owned buildings or structures require a completed property release form.
Physical entries should be mailed or delivered to:
Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Attn: Uniquely Alleghany Photo Contest
110 Mall Road
Covington, VA 24426
Digital entries, along with completed forms, should be submitted via Google Drive link to mnobles@ahchamber.com with the subject line: “Calendar Photo Submission – [Your Name].”
Each submission must include both an Entry Form and Photo Release Form. Contest rules and entry forms are available at the Chamber office or by requesting them via email at mnobles@ahchamber.com.
Once submitted, all entries become the property of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. The Chamber reserves the right to use submitted photographs in future publications, promotional materials, and online marketing efforts. Contest winners will be notified in October 2026.
