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Photo Contest and Exhibit

The museum's annual Photo Contest is a highlight we look forward to each year, showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives of photographers of all ages and experience levels from near and far. Entries are curated into a public exhibition, showcasing the diverse talent and creative perspectives of the photographers.

Contest & Exhibit Details

Thank you for your interest in our annual photo contest. Below, you’ll find important details about both the contest and the accompanying exhibit.

The contest has two divisions, Amateur and Advanced.

Advanced Division Criteria:
1. Photographer has received income from photographic endeavors, including publication.

2. Photographer has a website or social media presence promoting their photography, photography sales and/or photography services such as weddings and portraits.

3. Photographer watermarks their photos.

This year we have nine categories.

  1. Sam Houston Museum and Grounds
  2. Action
  3. Animals
  4. Architecture
  5. Cuisine/Food
  6. Fashion
  7. Floral
  8. Portrait
  9. America 250

Photographers may enter as many of the nine categories in their division as they wish.  However, no more than 2 photos may be submitted per category.

You can download the photo contest rules and information here.

Entries (photos and applications) must be received by the museum no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 by mail or dropped off at any museum entrance (Memorial Museum, Wigwam Neosho Museum Store, or Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center).

An application must accompany each photo. 

The mailing address for the museum is: Sam Houston Memorial Museum, SHSU Box 2057, Huntsville, Texas 77341.

An application must accompany each photo.  Download the application here.

$5.00 cash for each photo entry, due with entry(ies) at time of submission(s).

1. All photos must be 8x10.  No other size will be accepted.

2. No signed or dated photos will be accepted.  Photos are not to be matted, framed, or an alternate size.  

3. We suggest that you lightly write your name on the back of each photo at the top to determine orientation.  Photos without names waive the right to request change if properly installed.

4.  Photographs must be suitable for public viewing.  The museum reserves the right to refuse any entry.

5. Black and white photographs may be entered in any category.  Post-processing is allowed.

6. By submitting your photo, you give permission to allow the museum to use it in any advertising or social media post.  Image credit will be given to the photographer.

Advanced entries will be displayed and judged separately from amateur entries.  Winners will be chosen by an odd-numbered panel in a private judging session.  Winners will not be notified prior to the Artists Reception and need not be present to win.

Photos will be installed in the gallery at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center and exhibited to the public from November 5 through December 20, 2026.  

All photos become museum property during the exhibit's duration.

After the exhibit closes, contestants will be notified when photos will be ready for pickup for those who wish to have them back.  

The museum will host an Artist and Awards Reception on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center.  Awards will be announced at 5:30 p.m.  Need not be present to win.

If you have questions or want more information, please contact Tod Lawlis, curator of exhibits, by emailing tal062@shsu.edu.