Teen Photo Contest | Pentest Site

The much anticipated Teen Photo Contest, brought to you by Lambton County Library, the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery (JNAAG), and Lambton College, is back for 2026. This year's theme is “Black and White”. Participants aged 13 - 18 are encouraged to take creatively inspired photographs to tell a story. Each photographer can submit up to five photographs from April 1 until June 21, 2026.

A panel of industry experts will review all entries and select up to 25 photos to be featured alongside work from JNAAG's permanent collection in an exhibit at JNAAG from August 7 to October 10, 2026.

The jury will also select a grand prize winner as well as a winner for each of the following categories:

Landscapes and Cityscapes:

What does the world look like when colour is removed? Look at how light defines structure and space, and focus on elements such as contrast, rhythm, and mood.

Portraits – People, Pets, Wildlife:

What stories do the eyes tell? Go beyond colour to capture the essence of your subject, whether human or animal.

Macro and Close-ups:

How can you find a masterpiece in miniature? Magnify the beauty in the small things using a close-up perspective. Explore intricate patterns, textures, and details often overlooked.

A People's Choice category will also be included this year and revealed at the end of the exhibition.

Submit Your Photos Here

Workshops:

Black‑and‑white collage featuring three scenes: a person in formal attire leaning against a backdrop while holding a phone; a close-up of layered pearl jewelry including earrings and a necklace; and a pair of hands holding a textured clutch or small case

Lights, Shadow, Fashion!

Thursday, May 21 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

FREE | Registration Required

Step into a real black-and-white fashion photoshoot! In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll work with models and try different lighting setups, both indoors and outdoors. Learn how to guide your model, shape light and shadow, and use simple editing tools to create bold, timeless photos.

Register now

Black‑and‑white split image showing an ornate, curved wooden structure with a hanging lantern on the left, and a geometric concrete wall with repeating diamond‑shaped cutouts on the right.

Urban Textures and the Architecture of Shadow

Sunday, May 31 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

FREE | Registration Required

In this workshop, you’ll explore urban spaces and discover beauty in light, shadow, and textures using black-and-white photography. Learn how to capture shapes, patterns, and hidden details in everyday places, turning ordinary scenes into striking and abstract images.

Register now

Black‑and‑white split image showing dense, textured evergreen foliage on the left and a glossy tiled wall with small square tiles on the right.

Mini Monochrome Monologues

Sunday, June 14 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

FREE | Registration Required

Discover the beauty in the small stuff! This workshop focuses on close-up details and textures we usually overlook. Play with light, shadow, and contrast to see familiar things in new ways and create dramatic, eye-catching images.

Register now

2026 Jurors

Headshot of Richard Beland

Richard Beland
A music photographer based in Toronto, Canada. His extensive body of work, which dates back to 1993 and includes live performance photographs as well as studio portraits, celebrates popular music's depth and eclectic breadth. From photographs of Coldplay to those of The Tragically Hip, Richard Beland's images of international stars and Canadian icons reveal his passion for his craft, his keen sense of composition, and his steadfast commitment to detail.

Headshot of Rose Canino

Rose Canino serves as the Exhibition Support and Exhibition Education Coordinator at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery. Dedicated to fostering community engagement, Rose organizes the gallery’s exhibition programming, including public tours, workshops, and the Art & Ideas lecture series. This year marks her third year with the Teen Photo Contest; however, it is her first in the juror’s seat, having previously supported the jurying and exhibition logistics. An experienced adjudicator, Rose also served as a juror for the 2025 Floyd Gibson Colours exhibition at the Lawrence House.

Headshot of Rylee Kerr

Rylee Kerr
Rylee Kerr is a graduating student from the Photography Program at Lambton College, with a passion for nature and landscape photography. Her work focuses on capturing the beauty of the natural world, with an interest in pursuing travel photography. As a former overall winner of the Teen Photo Contest, Rylee is honoured to return as a jury member, supporting and encouraging the next generation of photographers.