Photography

Your Photos on Display

The Exhibition of Photography is an international juried exhibition of original color and black-and-white photographs and digital art open to photographers age 18 years and older.

This competition includes a wide variety of exhibit classes, from landscapes reflecting each season to sports and still life photography. Classes also include memories from the Fair, and photography depicting this year’s Fair theme, “Heroes, Re-Unite!” You need not be a professional photographer to enter…there’s even a class for cell phone photos!

Photographers can participate in our Photo Shootout competition on select days at the Fair. Participants receive a theme or topic when they arrive and have two hours to take photos with their digital camera or cell phone. Images are judged on-site and cash awards and ribbons are presented. Pre-registration required.

Entry Information

Important Dates

Entry deadline: Friday, April 15, 2022
Tier 1 Notification: Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Entry delivery, shipped entries: Thursday, April 28–Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Entry delivery, in person: Tuesday, May 17 & Wednesday, May 18, 2022 • 12noon–7pm
Photo Shootout Entry Deadline: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Artist reception: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 • 7–9pm
Exhibit dates: June 8–July 4, 2022
Entry pick-up date: Tuesday, July 5, 2022: 12noon–7pm

Entry Information
Enter Now

All Local and State Rules apply.

Tier 2 Entry

You’ve entered. You’ve passed the Tier 1 judging. Now what?

Tier 2 judging requires mounted photos. Here you’ll find a link to print your entry tag, Printing, Mounting & Presentation Specifications, and a handy video to help you to mount your printed entries correctly.

Print Entry Tag
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Pre-Fair Photo Workshops

What do the judges look for? Get the inside scoop at one of our pre-Fair photo workshops. We’ll show some of the award-winning images from past years, and explain what attracted the judges. We’ll also answer your specific questions as time permits. There is no charge to attend, and even if you don’t enter our competition, you’ll learn some great tips for improving your photos.

Times and locations are subject to change. Additional workshops may be added. Please check back.

Date Time Location
January 18, 2020 1:00-3:00pm George’s Camera
7475 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego 92114
February 1, 2020 1:00-4:00pm San Diego Photoshop Users Group
6250 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego 92115
February 8, 2020 1:00-3:00pm Nelson Photo
Point Loma Plaza
3625 Midway Drive
San Diego 92110
March 4, 2020 7:00pm Darkroomers Photo Club
Photo Arts building
Balboa Park
March 7, 2020 1:00-3:00pm George’s Camera
7475 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego 92114

Speakers & Workshops

Talented photographers will share their knowledge on taking and editing photos in a series of photography workshops during the Fair.

Photography Events

2019 Results

Results by Last Name
Results by Division/Class
Tier 1 Accepted Entries

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We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)

We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)