Read the rules below carefully. Entries will NOT be considered for the competition if they do not comply with these rules. The entry form is at the bottom of this page during the submission window. 

• Rules are subject to change before the contest start date.

• The 2026 Images of Aging Photo Contest is scheduled to accept entries from April 15 to May 31, 2026. Entries must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 p.m. local time on May 31, 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.

• Photographers living in Kansas or the Missouri counties of Jackson, Platte, Cass, or Clay are eligible to enter.

• Only the photographer is eligible to submit entries. Photographs cannot be submitted on behalf of someone else. 

• There is no entry fee.

• Each entry must include at least one person aged 65 or older.

• Photographers are responsible for getting permission from the subject(s) or legal guardian for minor(s) before submitting the photograph for the contest. Upon submission, each photographer must verify that they have received this permission.

• The theme of this contest is 'The many dimensions of older adults, showcasing their vitality, resilience and variety of interests, highlighting the many ways they contribute and care.' Entries will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, representation of the theme, and artistic merit.

• Photographs must be submitted in a digital format. Photographs must be at least 300 dpi resolution and 8 inches x 10 inches. There is a 4MB maximum per image. (An 8x10 image at 300 dpi would be approximately 2400x3000 pixels.)

• All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and scene as it appeared. Photographs digitally altered beyond standard optimization (removal of dust, cropping, reasonable adjustments to exposure, color, and contrast, etc.) will be disqualified. 

• Each photographer may submit a maximum of three original entries. Previous "Images of Aging" submissions are not eligible for this contest.

• Completed contest entry details must accompany each submission. Only entries with complete and accurate information will be considered eligible. 

• Contest entrants agree to abide by the terms of these official rules and by the decision of the judges, which are final on all matters pertaining to the contest.  

• State of Kansas employees and their immediate families are not eligible for this contest. Winners must submit completed W-9 forms (to be provided by the LCOA) to receive prizes.

• The Center reserves the right to use winning and non-winning photos in any way related to the publicity or teaching of programs for the University of Kansas Medical Center for internal and external use at no cost.

Awards: 

• $350 for First Place

• $200 for Second Place

• $100 for Third Place

• $50 for the Landon Center on Aging Community Pick

• $50 for the Landon Center on Aging Staff Pick

• $50 for each of up to 5 Honorable Mentions

Questions: Contact Deborah Barton at dbarton@kumc.edu or (913) 588-0798.