Eye of the Beholder

Photo Contest 2026

Welcome to the third annual Eye of the Beholder Photo Contest 2026! It is the aim of the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center to create community engagement, inspire environmental stewardship, and promote visitation to New York State Parks. This year New York State Parks is celebrating the Semi-Quincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; we encourage patrons to participate in the programs listed below and capture moments for a future theme to come!

Semi-Quincentennial Programming

Contest Information

Participants must be at least 10 years of age.

Participants can submit only one photo per month’s theme. *Note: Participants are only eligible to win once. Winning photos cannot be resubmitted.

We welcome photos from Long Island Region State Parks.

Photos must have been taken on or after January 1st, 2024, unless the monthly theme states otherwise.

Each month will have a different theme. Themes are announced at the start of the month.

Two winners will be chosen each month; one winner will be chosen by the Photo Contest Chairs, and one winner will be selected by the public via social media. All judges’ decisions will be final.

Pictures must be at least 2400x 3000 pixels.

Contestants can submit black and white, color, and scan film photos. Photos generated by artificial intelligence will be rejected.

Please note: Photo contest winners and participants may be featured in public exhibits held at various Long Island Region New York State Parks.

Submission Form

Email us your submission!

Monthly Themes

Picture this- it’s quiet and all you hear is the leaves shaking through the wind and birds call in the distance. When you go for a hike on our trails you feel at ease as you connect with yourself and your surroundings. We ask during this month’s theme that you get your hiking shoes and your camera ready to hit the trails!
Theme to be announced on May 1st
Theme to be announced on June 1st
Theme to be announced on July 1st

Photo Credits to Brian Doherty, 2025 Winner

Co-curators at the 2024 Eye of the Beholder Exhibit opening.

A glimpse into the 2025 Eye of the Beholder Exhibit display.

Our 2024 Eye of the Beholder winning photographers.

A glimpse into the 2025 Eye of the Beholder Exhibit opening.

A glimpse into the 2024 Eye of the Beholder exhibit.

Our 2025 Eye of the Beholder winning photographers.

A glimpse into the 2024 Eye of the Beholder Exhibit display.

Co-curators at the 2025 Eye of the Beholder Exhibit opening.

A glimpse into the 2024 Eye of the Beholder Exhibit opening.

The 2025 winning photographer award ceremony.