Despite all of 2020’s challenges, the Junior Orange Bowl has remained consistent as it announces its 2020 Photography Competition. The competition has been held for the past 3 years, and will continue this year. Submissions run from December 1st, 2020, to January 14, 2021.

The competition awards more than $6,000 in prizes to students and teachers alike. First place in the student awards will be given $200. Teachers whose students win a certain category in the competition have the chance to win up to $500.

There are six different categories that each follow a theme. Photos that are submitted must follow the guidelines of each theme. 

The first is black and white—“Judges are looking for depth, technique, and storytelling in your photos,” says the Orange Bowl website. 

The “Patterns in our World” category challenges photographers to find hidden patterns in their everyday life, as well as minute details that arrange themselves so.  

The wildlife category is described by the Junior Orange Bowl website: “We are proud to partner with Zoo Miami this year to bring you our previously known animal theme revamped. Judges are looking for depth this year in the animal photos. The goal is to show animals in their natural habitats as well as all the amazing conservation efforts Zoo Miami has had in protecting species both thriving and on the verge of extinction. “

The diversity category prompts artists to find how diversity has changed our world, judges looking for originality, depth, and storylines, as well as illustrating its importance.

The category is Night—pushing artists to polish technique and find a story in the night sky. The contrast of dark and light is imperative. 

The final category is Portraits, as the judges search for technical advancement and storytelling, asking photographers to take pictures of loved ones, and put forth their very best. 

ILS Senior Ana Santana, who is entering the competition, is ready to participate. 

“I’m excited there is a black and white (category) because it is actually my preference. I think there’s just something fundamental we tend not to focus on, as color distracts the real beauty that is right in front of us. Life is definitely not all black and white, but a picture can be.”

Students can submit their photos before January 14th on the Junior Orange Bowl Website.

The final category is Portraits, as the judges search for technical advancement and storytelling, asking photographers to take pictures of loved ones, and put forth their very best. 

ILS Senior Ana Santana, who is entering the competition, is ready to participate. 

“I’m excited there is a black and white (category) because it is actually my preference. I think there’s just something fundamental we tend not to focus on, as color distracts the real beauty that is right in front of us. Life is definitely not all black and white, but a picture can be.”

Students can submit their photos before January 14th on the Junior Orange Bowl Website.