Historic Salem, Inc. / Salem 400+ Photo Contest
Historic Salem, Inc. is pleased to be running its first ever Historic Salem, Inc. Photo Contest. A partnership with Salem 400+, the Historic Salem Inc. Photo Contest will seek photographs which celebrate the past, present, and future of Salem, Massachusetts. Local photographers, of all ages and levels of skill, are invited to submit photos!
This photo contest is open to the public and will run from Friday, May 15, 2026 to Saturday, August 15, 2026. Read more below.
PHOTO CONTEST DETAILS
Celebrating Salem’s 400th anniversary — open to photographers of all ages and skill levels.
Submissions Open: May 15, 2026
Submissions Close: August 15, 2026
Winners Announced: September 19, 2026 at the Historic House Resource Expo
How to submit your photos:
Step One: Take and choose your photos
You may submit up to 3 photos per category. All photos must have been taken between August 1, 2025 and August 15, 2026.
Step Two: Prepare your files
1. Save images as .jpeg, .jpg, or .png at the highest resolution available
2. Label each file with your name and photo title:
Correct format: [Lastname_Firstname_Title]
For example: Bowditch_Nathaniel_ASunnyDay.jpg
3. Minor adjustments (contrast, color correction, spotting) are acceptable; significantly altered images may be disqualified.
Step Three: Fill out the Google Form
Complete the online submission form HERE. Attach your photo files directly through the Google Form.
Photo Guidelines:
- Photos must be captured between August 15, 2025 and August 15, 2026.
- File format: .jpeg, .jpg, or .png.
- Submit the highest quality version available.
- Minor edits (spotting, contrast, slight color correction) are permitted. Heavy manipulation may disqualify your entry.
- If a person is recognizable in your photo, the photo may not be submitted without their consent.
- Photos must not violate any copyright. You must own the rights to everything in your submission.
Photo Categories
Participants may submit up to three photos in each category:
1. Salem Through Time
Juxtaposing old and new to honor preservation
Moments where Salem’s past and present meet. Historic buildings in everyday use, modern life unfolding in centuries-old spaces, or visual contrasts showing how the city has evolved while preserving its character.
2. Hidden Salem
Up close and often overlooked.
Focus on architectural details, textures, and small discoveries; doorways, ironwork, inscriptions, materials, and quiet corners revealing Salem’s history.
3. Your City
What Salem means to you.
An open, interpretive theme inviting photographers to express their personal connection to Salem—whether through people, places, memories, routines, or emotions. This category centers lived experience and individual perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the case you can’t submit via our online form, you may use this form. Please email this form, filled out, along with your photo submissions to events@historicsalem.org.
Photos will be judged on creativity, skill, and quality by a panel of volunteer judges.
Winning photos will be revealed at the Historic House Resource Expo on September 19, 2026 (9am–12pm, Salem High School). Winners will receive two complimentary tickets. Following this event, they will be displayed at a public space in downtown Salem.
Each category will have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. In addition, there will be a Grand Prize winner and People’s Choice winner.
All non-winning submissions will be entered into the People’s Choice competition on Facebook and Instagram (Aug 25 – Sept 1).
1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Grand Prize winners will be alerted that their photographs have placed by August 24th, one day before People’s Choice runs. The People’s Choice winner will be informed by September 5th.
By submitting, you grant Historic Salem, Inc. and Salem 400+ the right to use, reproduce, and display your photos in print and digital publications, including social media. You retain all rights to your work. HSI will credit reproduced photographs whenever possible.
Questions? Email events@historicsalem.org
