It’s the final call for Illinois Country Living’s 2026 SnapShots contest. Whether you’re a photographer, an enthusiastic hobbyist or an amateur, this is your chance to share how you see Illinois.
The contest celebrates the beauty of the Prairie State throughout the year, with four seasonal categories: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Photographers may submit up to three photos per category, capturing landscapes, rural life, nature or moments that reflect the spirit of each season.
A panel of judges will select first-, second- and third-place winners in each category, along with an overall Grand Champion. Photos will be judged based on composition, visual impact and category theme. Prizes awarded will include $250 for the grand prize winner, $100 for first-place winners, $75 for second and $50 for third.
Winning photographs will be featured in the December 2026 issue of Illinois Country Living and showcased in the 2027 SnapShots Calendar, giving photographers statewide recognition throughout the year. In addition, contest runners-up will be published in the magazine’s SnapShots section during 2027.
Important dates and details
- Photos must be taken in Illinois
- Open only to Illinois electric co-op members
- High-resolution photos only
- Submission deadline: Sept. 30, 2026
- Entry limit: Three submissions per category
- How to enter: Go to icl.coop/snapshots or go to page 23 for more details
To accommodate the contest, Illinois Country Living is currently running archived photography in the SnapShots section through November 2026.
