Colour
Make colour the star. Explore contrast, light, rich tones, bold combinations or subtle shades.
Don Valley Festival · Photography Competition 2027
See the world your way.
Great photographs begin with a fresh point of view. For 2027, explore Colour, Composition or Creative Angles and share the world as you see it. Any subject is welcome.
The three Cs of photography
Choose what your photo focuses on.
Every entry should focus on one of the following creative approaches. There is no set subject theme. Photograph something meaningful, surprising, beautiful or completely unexpected.
Composition
Tell a story through framing and balance. Think leading lines, patterns, shapes and perspective.
Creative Angles
Try a surprising viewpoint, dramatic perspective or an unusual angle to reveal something new.
2027 competition details
A competition for every generation.
Photography is free to enter. There are three age categories within each of the three focuses, making nine competition categories altogether.
Entry feeFreeNo charge to enter
Print sizesA5–A3Minimum A5, maximum A3
Creative focuses3Colour · Composition · Creative Angles
Three age categories for each focus
11 & underRising Shutterbugs
12–17Lens Legends
18 & overOpen Visionaries
Meet the judge
Nelly Naylor
We are delighted to welcome photographer Nelly Naylor as our 2027 Photography Competition judge. Explore Nelly's photography and creative work on her website.
Visit Nelly Naylor's websiteDates for your diary
Capture, enter, celebrate.
Get your photograph ready in time and come along to see the competition entries.
Entries close2 March 2027
Tuesday. Deliver your printed photograph during school opening hours by the closing date.
Photography exhibition20–21 March 2027
Saturday and Sunday at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, Edlington, Doncaster.
Certificates & trophies20 March · 11am
Saturday morning, in the photography exhibition area.
Taking part
Three simple steps to enter.
Photography entries are submitted as printed photographs to the school listed below. This is separate from the RunMyFestival online entry route for other Festival disciplines.
Choose your focus
Enter under Colour, Composition or Creative Angles, then select your age category: 11 and under, 12–17 or 18 and over.
Explore the three focuses ↑Print and label your photo
Print your photograph between A5 and A3. On the back, write your name, age, telephone number and which of the three Cs your photograph represents. It must be your own original work and follow the Festival’s rules on generative AI.
Read Festival Regulations ↗Submit your entry
Deliver your labelled print to Rawmarsh Community School, Monkwood Road, Rawmarsh, Rotherham, S62 7GA during school opening hours, no later than Tuesday 2 March 2027.
Ask the Festival team ↗
Where to submit your photograph
Deliver your labelled print during school opening hours to Rawmarsh Community School, Monkwood Road, Rawmarsh, Rotherham, S62 7GA.
Closing date: Tuesday 2 March 2027. If you are unsure of the arrangements, please contact the Festival team before travelling.
Come and see the exhibition
Your moment in the frame.
Photographs will be exhibited on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2027 at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, Edlington, Doncaster.
The presentation of certificates and trophies is scheduled for Saturday 20 March at 11am in the photography area.
Discover the Festival ↗Frequently asked questions
Good to know.
Is there a theme for this year's competition?
There is no prescribed subject theme. Each photograph should focus on one of the three Cs: Colour, Composition or Creative Angles.
How much does it cost to enter?
The 2027 Photography Competition is free to enter.
What age categories are there?
There are three categories for each photographic focus: Rising Shutterbugs (11 and under), Lens Legends (12 to 17), and Open Visionaries (18 and over).
Can I send a digital file instead of a print?
The 2027 poster specifies printed photographs, from A5 to A3, to be submitted to Rawmarsh Community School. No digital submission route is specified. Please check with the Festival before assuming a digital file will be accepted.
What should I write on the back?
Write your name, age, telephone number and whether the photograph focuses on Colour, Composition or Creative Angles.
Where do I submit my entry?
Deliver your labelled print to Rawmarsh Community School, Monkwood Road, Rawmarsh, Rotherham, S62 7GA during school opening hours. Entries close Tuesday 2 March 2027. Contact the Festival team if you need to check arrangements.
When are the trophies and certificates presented?
Saturday 20 March 2027 at 11am, in the photography exhibition area at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy.
Stay in focus.
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