The annual Rural Kansas Photo Contest is in its 19th year, and submissions will begin Thursday, August 22. Sponsored by Rural Health Education and Services at the University of Kansas Medical Center, the contest encourages entrants to create and submit original photographs showcasing the beauty of rural areas across the state.
Amateur and professional photographers who are at least 18 years old and live or work in Kansas compete for the $100 grand prize and second place awards.
Participants can submit up to two photos per category:
- Nature and Landscapes: Living plants, animals and the landscape of Kansas.
- Healthcare in Kansas: What does a healthy Kansas look like?
- Unique perspective: New insights through artistic angles, bird’s eye view, macro or panoramic photography, etc.
- Winter Wonderland: Winter landscapes in the state.
- Colorful Kansas: Present vivid images.
- Youth section (13-17 years): Submit up to three photos in any category.
Full competition and submission rules can be found on the competition page.
Additionally, entries will be collected to create the 2025 Beauty in Kansas wall calendar, which will be available for public sale. As part of the Sweet Home Kansas campaign, a free version will be sent to KU School of Medicine graduates who are completing their residency out of state and plan to move back.
with “Monarch Dream”, recorded in Allen County.
In 2023, 988 photos were submitted by 182 photographers. “Every year the contest gets better and better,” said Jenifer Yuza, marketing and resource manager for Rural Health Education and Services at KU Medical Center. “We love having new photographers enter the contest and are always very honored when some well-known names join each year as well.”
KU Medical Center staff will judge the submissions and narrow the field to six finalists in each category. Finalists will be announced on October 23, 2024. On National Rural Health Day (November 21), people who live or work in Kansas can vote electronically. To vote electronically, subscribe to the photo contest mailing list to receive a link to vote, as well as contest announcements and related materials.
The editors of Kansas Country Living magazine will select the grand prize photo to be featured on the cover of the January 2025 issue. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
