Sheep Photo Competition
Updated for 2026
This competition is intended to encourage photographers to explore the beauty of sheep and other wool producing animals, and the versatility of wool and related products. All photos must be related to these subjects. Photos may be taken with either smartphone cameras or traditional cameras.
This competition is open to ALL photographers. Photos will be judged on composition and quality. Photographers are limited to two entries per class. All entries must have been completed since the 2025 Festival. Please write name, address and title of photo on the back of all photos. Minimum size of all photos is 8″ x 10″. NO framed photos. All photos must be matted and have a firm backing or foam backing. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Adult Division
Classes
Color
- 1. Portraits – Single sheep (head or whole sheep); people with sheep
- 2. Lambs
- 3. Landscapes/Flocks of Sheep
- 4. Still Life – Inanimate Objects (i.e. yarn, shears, spinning wheel, etc.)
- 5. Sheep & Wool Related Activities
- 6. Stable Scenes
- 7. Humor
- 8. Tell a Story – Three photos framed or matted together to give a collage effect
- 9. Photos taken at the 2025 Festival (may not be entered in any other class)
- 10. Computer Generated Photo Art (must be generated from a photo)
Black and White
- 11. Portraits
- 12. Lambs
- 13. Landscapes/Flocks of Sheep
- 14. Still Life
- 15. Stable Scenes
- 16. Computer Generated Photo Art (must be generated from a photo)
Prizes
In each class:
- 1st – $12
- 2nd – $10
- 3rd – $8
- 4th – $7
Junior Division (18 years old or younger as of January 1)
Classes
Color
- 17. Any subject
- 18. Tell a Story – Three photos framed or matted together to give a collage effect
- 19. Photos taken at the 2025 Festival (may not be entered in any other class)
- 20. Computer Generated Photo Art (must be generated from a photo)
Black and White
- 21. Any Subject
- 22. Computer Generated Photo Art (must be generated from a photo)
Prizes
In each class:
- 1st – $10
- 2nd – $8
- 3rd – $6
- 4th – $5
Best of Show: $50
Reserve Best of Show: $35
Best Maryland Resident Entry: $30
Best Maryland Resident Jr. Entry: $20
Best Featured Breed (Scottish Blackface) Adult Entry: $100
Best Featured Breed (Scottish Blackface) Jr. Entry: $25
Featured Breed prizes donated by Friends of Scottish Blackface Sheep. To be eligible for the Featured Breed prizes, entries must be identified as such at the time of entry.
How to Enter
The 2026 Sheep Photo Competition entry estimate form is now available. Photographers planning to participate are asked to complete this short form to help the Festival anticipate the number of entries and prepare the photo display gallery in the Annex. Complete the form here: https://forms.gle/eKyYYaVDKBTVShuu9.
Entries will be received in the Main Exhibition Annex on Friday, May 1, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you need to mail in your entries, contact the Sheep Photo Chairperson. Judging will be at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
All entries must remain on display throughout the Festival and will not be released before 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. Premium money will be forfeited for any entries removed earlier.
All entries must be claimed by 5:30 p.m. that evening. Any pieces not picked up become the property of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival.
The Festival Committee assumes no responsibility for damage or loss of entries, but will make every effort to display and care for photos entered.
There is no entry fee.
For information contact: Roxanne Dean, Sheep Photo Chairperson
6585 Steltz Rd, Glen Rock, PA 17327
717-817-4773 or ten.nozirev@naedyxor
