Maximum Number of Participants (5 minimum for judging): No maximum.

Purpose of this Challenge:  Create compelling panoramic photographs across a variety of natural environments involving scenes that require width to capture a well composed image. Panoramic images can be crafted almost anywhere so there are no site restrictions on your creativity.

This challenge coincides with SANP's upcoming GSMNP Roaring Fork & Kuwhoi Field Event with Cindy Hatcher and Kelli Thompson, creating a great opportunity to target panoramic images in forest, mountain and stream-dominated environments. Find the environment that requires width to fully capture the scene. Challenge yourself by trying different types of lenses such as wide angle or small telephoto. Consider incorporating people or other known objects to provide a sense of scale. Or, use elemental and/or geographic features to provide texture and depth to your image(s).

The challenge is to ensure that your scene feels natural, not forced; a clear sense of depth and space. Winning images will demonstrate an intentional composition, not just a shot that was cropped wide. Ask yourself if the resulting image feels like one space and was a good choice for a panorama. Be especially mindful of the path your eyes take as you create/view the image.

Through this challenge I hope you reflect on the intentional nature of panoramic images. Good Luck! We can't wait to see what you capture. 

Challenge Procedure:  You must register for this challenge. Submit up to three images for judging, following the guidelines below for file naming, file size, and deadline. Judges will not know who submitted the images under review. If you have questions, contact Hill Henry, at thillhenry@gmail.com.

Note: Challenge image submissions will be posted in a Challenge Gallery on the SANP Zenfolio website accessible to the public; winners will be displayed on SANP social media, the SANP website, and in the SANP Newsletter.

Equipment Specifications:

• Camera: Any handheld type of camera is allowed. 
• Lens focal length: No limit.
• Filters: Neutral density, polarizing, and closeup filters may be used.
• Tripods are allowed.
• Cell Phone images are allowed.
• Other: The photographer must get signed model releases from any people recognizable in a photograph.

Photography Technique Specifications: None 

Processing Technique Specifications: None

Entering Challenge Images for Judging

Entries must be received by midnight, 30, June, 2026. Participants may submit up to three JPEG digital image files (not over 4 MB each). The Participant’s copyright information and the image metadata must be embedded in the submitted image files.

Send your entries to thillhenry@gmail.com. Entries received late, too large, or not in the proper file name format will not be judged. If you want your images displayed on Zenfolio but not judged, state that when you submit the images.

Name the digital files in the following format (PLEASE NOTE):

SANPPC-202502-Last_Name-First Initial-a

Where:

• SANPPC stands for ‘SANP Photography Challenge’ (do not change this)
• 202502 is the year and month (month is always two digits)
• Last_Name and First Initial are your last name followed by first Initial. (ex. Henry-H)
• "a" is the participant’s first entry (b = second entry, c = third entry)