As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’re inviting photographers from around the world to help document this historic milestone through the power of photography.
Today, we’re excited to announce the ON1 America’s 250th Anniversary Photo Contest, a nationwide celebration of photography designed to create a living time capsule of America in 2026. From iconic national parks and bustling city streets to hidden gems and quiet moments in your hometown, every photograph tells a piece of America’s story.

Whether you’re a landscape photographer, wildlife enthusiast, street photographer, or simply someone who loves capturing meaningful moments, this is your opportunity to showcase your work, represent the places you’ve explored, and become part of a collection that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and spirit of the United States.

Help Build a Photographic Time Capsule

America’s 250th anniversary is more than a celebration of history—it’s a chance to preserve what the country looks like today for future generations.

Our goal is to create a gallery featuring photographs from all 50 states, showcasing the incredible variety of landscapes, communities, wildlife, architecture, and moments that define America today. Every submission helps build a visual record of this unique moment in time.

No matter where your favorite photo was taken—whether it’s a famous landmark or an overlooked corner of your hometown—it deserves a place in this collection.

Contest Details

The contest opens July 4, 2026, and runs through July 31, 2026.

To enter:

  • Your image must be taken within the United States.
  • Your photo must be edited using ON1 software.
  • Submit one image per U.S. state (you may enter multiple states if you have qualifying images).
  • Include the full state name, image title, a brief description of your image and editing process, and your camera settings.

The contest is open to photographers worldwide who are 18 years of age or older.

For complete rules, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines, visit the official contest page:

https://www.on1.com/america-250/

Win Great Prizes

In addition to becoming part of ON1’s America’s 250 collection, winners will receive prizes and recognition across the ON1 community.

Grand Prize

  • $500 Amazon Gift Card
  • Official title of ON1 America’s 250th Anniversary Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner
  • Feature on the ON1 blog and social media channels

Second Place

  • $100 ON1 Merchandise Gift Card
  • One year of ON1 Photo Studio
  • Feature on the ON1 blog and social media

Third Place

  • $50 ON1 Merchandise Gift Card
  • One year of ON1 Plus
  • Feature on the ON1 blog and social media

We’ll also recognize Honorable Mentions, highlighting outstanding photographers whose work helps tell America’s story.

Share Your Perspective

Every photographer sees the world differently, and that’s exactly what makes this contest special.

We want to see the places that inspire you, the communities that matter to you, and the moments that capture the character of your state. Whether your image showcases dramatic landscapes, vibrant city life, historic landmarks, wildlife, rural America, or everyday moments, your perspective helps paint a more complete picture of America at 250 years.

Together, we’ll build a collection that celebrates not only incredible photography but also the places, people, and stories that make the United States unique.

We can’t wait to see America through your lens.

Enter the Contest Today

Ready to be part of this historic celebration?

Visit https://www.on1.com/america-250/ to submit your images, explore the full contest rules, and help us create a photographic time capsule of America during its 250th anniversary.