Defense Community Photo Contest

Photography is an important window into military life. Through images and video, the American public can see the sacrifices military families make, the diversity of our Armed Forces and what life in military towns is like on both sides of the fence.

Over the years, ADC has published countless photos in a variety of mediums to help share the stories of America’s defense communities. We have been impressed by the incredible talent of photographers in defense communities—professional and amateur. To celebrate their work, ADC is launching a new initiative: a photo contest.

We are particularly interested in imagery that highlights military-community cooperation and exemplifies community and collaboration on both sides of the fence. But, if your image is just a great shot of military life in action, we want to see that too! Anyone living in a defense community can submit a photo for the contest. The winning photos will be featured in the 2023 edition of America’s Defense Communities, ADC’s annual magazine, and will be considered for the cover.

The deadline to submit is Friday, July 14th.

SUBMIT A PHOTO

Photos featured in prior editions of America’s Defense Communities: 

Capt. Cecilia Tuma, pilot with the 492d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron poses for a photo on Women’s Equality Day.

U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan Young

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Francisco Bolanos and his son sit in front of Rivers Elementary School on August 17, 2020 at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Klemm

Cpt. Jerrod Olson receives a COVID-19 vaccine at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii on Jan. 14, 2021.

Army photo by 1st Lt. Angelo Mejia

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Slavin, videographer with Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, interacts with an Afghan child at Upshur Village in Quantico in Sept. 2021.

Marine Corps photo by Tia Dufour

Lt. Col. Susana Corona, a member of the National Guard, holds up a flashcard in a classroom at Estancia Elementary School. Corona volunteered to serve as a substitute teacher amid widespread educator shortages across New Mexico.

New Mexico National Guard photo by Iain Jaramillo

Lt. Cate Giguere, Station Washington Commanding Officer, shows off a life ring to students of LEARN DC at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in April 2022.

U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Patrick Ferraris

Volunteers help clean up Surf Beach on Vandenberg Space Force Base, California April 27, 2022.

Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kadielle Shaw

Capt. Cecilia Tuma, pilot with the 492d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron poses for a photo on Women’s Equality Day. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan Young
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Francisco Bolanos and his son sit in front of Rivers Elementary School on August 17, 2020 at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Klemm
Cpt. Jerrod Olson receives a COVID-19 vaccine at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii on Jan. 14, 2021. Army photo by 1st Lt. Angelo Mejia
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Slavin, videographer with Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, interacts with an Afghan child at Upshur Village in Quantico in Sept. 2021. Marine Corps photo by Tia Dufour
An airman takes a photo of leaders on horses during the cattle drive at Altus Air Force Base. The wing commander, group commanders and command chief rode their assigned horses, along with dozens of cattle. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kayla Christenson
Lt. Col. Susana Corona, a member of the National Guard, holds up a flashcard in a classroom at Estancia Elementary School. Corona volunteered to serve as a substitute teacher amid widespread educator shortages across New Mexico. New Mexico National Guard photo by Iain Jaramillo
Lt. Cate Giguere, Station Washington Commanding Officer, shows off a life ring to students of LEARN DC at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in April 2022. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Patrick Ferraris
Naval Submarine Base New London Commanding Officer Capt. Ken Curtin Jr., Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation Mark Rolfe sign IGSA documents April 13, 2022, for three new partnerships between the base and the state Department of Transportation, the Capitol Region Council of Governments and Groton Utilities. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maxwell Higgins
Volunteers help clean up Surf Beach on Vandenberg Space Force Base, California April 27, 2022. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kadielle Shaw

Eligibility

All amateur or professional photographers.

Photo Specifications

  • High-resolution digital photo, a minimum of 300 dpi preferred, tiff or jpg.
  • All photos must be original works, taken by the entrants, or submitted with permission of the photographer. Photos must not be previously published (exception: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service [DVIDS]).
  • All photos submitted must be in their original state and cannot be altered in any significant way.
  • Entries are capped at three photos per entrant.
Disclaimer:

By submitting photos for entry, you consent to the photo, the photographer’s name, title, and organization being featured in America’s Defense Communities magazine. Entries will be judged by Association of Defense Communities staff. ADC reserves the right to disqualify any entry that is deemed inappropriate or does not conform to stated contest rules. By entering the contest, entrants agree that photos submitted can be used by ADC for advertising purposes.

Awards

1st Prize

$250

2nd Prize

$150

3rd Prize

$100

Name:(Required)
Do you work in public affairs for a military installation?(Required)
Share a link to where your photos are stored online.
Include a title, caption and date taken for each photo.
Consent for distribution:(Required)

This contest is made possible in part by USAA, the official sponsor of America’s Great Defense Communities.