The Utah Lake Authority hosts a photo contest each year. This contest is sponsored by several local businesses. Our favorite picture promote the beauty of Utah Lake, the fun recreational activities available there!
As the Authority, our efforts in this contest are centered on showing Utah County and the rest of the world the beautiful scenery and entertaining recreation found at Utah Lake. If you want to see more gorgeous photos submitted in the contests, see our Utah Lake Authority Flickr Photostream. You can also check out the travelling gallery at one of the local public libraries!
Check out the rules for the 2026 Utah Lake Photo Contest below!
Submission Period
Submissions open August 12, 2026, at 12:01am and close on October 12, 2026, 11:59pm. We will announce winners sometime in late October.
Contest Categories
SCENIC
Submit your scenic photos for a chance to win! Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, Utah Lake offers a canvas of breathtaking views waiting to be framed. Here are some tips:
- Scenic in Focus: Look beyond the obvious. Venture around Utah Lake’s perimeter. From sandy beaches to rugged trials Utah Lake has diverse landscapes.
- Discover: Participate with curiosity! Immerse yourself in the lake’s history, geology, and ecology. Learn about the native fish, wetlands restoration efforts, and the battle against invasive plants.
FUN
Submit your most fun photos for a chance to win! Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, the “Fun” category invites you to capture the lighter side of Utah Lake. Here are some tips:
- Playful Moments: Seek out joy and spontaneity. Show us the moments that make Utah Lake a hub of happiness and adventure. Explore the Lake and find thoes sweet spots that represent fun at the lake.
- Eco-Discovery: Fun isn’t just about snapshots; it’s about learning too! Learn the lake’s ecology. Spot native fish, observe wetland plants, find some anglers, and marvel at the intricate balance of life.
WILDLIFE
Submit your wildlife photos for a chance to win! Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a pro, the “Wildlife” category invites you to capture the untamed spirit of Utah Lake. Here are some tips:
- Embrace Life: Utah Lake is full of wildlife. Whether it’s the flight of our avian residents, the variety of fish, or the elusive animals nestled within the flora, capture those moments that define Utah Lake as a vibrant hub for life.
- Discover: Learn about Utah Lake’s conservation efforts. Learn about the battle against invasive species. Celebrate the success like the return of native fish and the revival of marsh habitats.
How to Enter
Remember, it’s not just about winning—it’s about celebrating Utah Lake’s beauty, Fun, wildlife. So grab your camera, breathe in the fresh air, and let the scenery unfold before your lens.
Prizes Await! The top scenic photo will receive a generous cash reward. Ready to get out there? Just click below to sign up and start capturing your winning photo!
*Please submit the highest-quality photo you have.*
Prizes
GRAND PRIZE
Capture the extraordinary, and you could walk away with more than just memories. The overall grand prize for our Utah Lake Photo Contest is a $1000!
First Place
In each category, we will award 1st place prize of $500
Second Place
In each category, we’ll award 2nd place prize of $250
Third Place
In each category, we’ll award 2nd place prize of $100
Honorary Mention
An Honorary Mention comes with a $50 reward, and it also grants us permission to use the photographer’s exceptional photo.
