Texas Forest Trail
Photography Contest
Celebrate the landscapes, history, communities, and
culture of East Texas through photography.
The Texas Forest Trail Annual Photography Contest invites photographers of all levels to capture the people, places, and stories that make East Texas unique. Winning images help promote heritage tourism across the region and are featured throughout the year.
Categories for Submission
1. Landscapes & Nature
Photographs that highlight the natural beauty of East Texas, including forests, rivers, lakes, trails, wildlife, wildflowers, and scenic backroads throughout the Texas Forest Trail Region.
This category reflects the region’s outdoor assets and natural settings that draw visitors to East Texas.
2. Historic Places & Landmarks
Images featuring historic sites, landmarks, architecture, museums, courthouses, cemeteries, railroads, downtown districts, and other places connected to East Texas history and heritage.
Photos should emphasize preservation, sense of place, and the stories behind historic locations.
3. Communities & Events
Photographs capturing community life across East Texas, including festivals, parades, fairs, markets, concerts, and everyday scenes in towns and cities throughout the Forest Trail counties.
This category celebrates the gatherings and traditions that bring East Texas communities together.
4. People & Culture
Portraits and candid images of the people of East Texas, showcasing traditions, work, creativity, foodways, music, and daily life across the region.
Images should reflect the character, diversity, and cultural identity of East Texas.
Additional Awards
Best Overall Photo
Selected from all categories, this award recognizes the photograph that best represents East Texas through strong composition, storytelling, and alignment with the Texas Forest Trail mission.
Fan Favorite
Chosen through public voting, this award honors the photograph that resonates most with the community and generates the highest engagement.
Submit your photos here
By submitting my photo, I confirm my photo was taken in the Texas Forest Trail Region, is my own work, and may be used by the Texas Forest Trail Region for promotional purposes. See official contest rules.
Contest Summary:
Photos must be taken within the Texas Forest Trail Region. You may submit unlimited photos and enter multiple categories and counties. Each photo may only be entered once in a single category and county.
By submitting, you confirm you have permission to share the image and agree to the official contest rules.
Past Forest Trail Photography Contest Winners
Mission Statement
Entering the contest is FREE, but the Texas Forest Trail would greatly appreciate your support. As a 501(c)(3) charity organization, donations are always welcome and go to support our efforts in promoting East Texas. If you would like to support our cause, please click here for a number of ways in which you can donate.