October 3 - 19 2025

The Artists’ Coalition of Flagstaff Plein Air Photography Festival 2025
Event Dates: October 3 – 19, 2025
SUMMARY of Official Rules & Regulations,

Please download the complete detailed version at the bottom of the page.

Festival Overview

The Artists’ Coalition of Flagstaff Plein Air Photography Festival 2025 celebrates the art of outdoor photography, encouraging photographers to capture the natural beauty of Northern Arizona in its truest form. This event emphasizes authenticity, technical skill, and creative expression while adhering to ethical and environmental considerations.

Eligibility & Participation

  • Open to all photographers residing in the State of Arizona and All Native American Reservations.

  • Minors (under 18) may participate with parent/guardian consent.

  • Registration:

    • Applications open from June 15, 2025 to September 1, 2025 and are only accepted at: flagstaff-arts.org.

    • Entry fee: $30 for Artists’ Coalition of Flagstaff members or $35 for non-members, covering two (2) images (any mix of color and B&W).

  • Legal Compliance: By submitting an entry, entrants represent and warrant that their participation is not illegal or in violation of any applicable law, regulation, treaty, or administrative act, and that the laws of their governing jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry do not prohibit or restrict the receipt of any prize.

Photo Requirements

  • Capture Period: To be eligible, a photograph must have been shot by the entrant between 5:00 a.m. MST, October 3, 2025, and 11:59 p.m. MST, October 5, 2025. Photographs taken before or after this period will not be eligible.

  • Originality:

    • Images generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not permitted.

    • The contestant certifies that he/she is the sole creator and copyright owner of the submitted photograph.

    • Minor edits (exposure, cropping) are allowed, but no digital manipulation altering the scene’s authenticity (e.g., compositing from multiple photos). Astrophotography is exempted from this since multiple images are many times employed.

Print & Framing Specifications

  • Prints:

    • Photographs must be printed on photographic paper with no borders, signatures, or watermarks.

    • Accepted print sizes: 8”x8”, 8”x10”, 8”x12”, or any variation up to 16" x 24".

  • Framing:

    • Photographs must be framed in a simple black frame with an optional single, white or off-white mat.

    • Artwork must look professionally finished and be ready for secure installation.

    • All art must be equipped with stretched WIRE attached to the back (no sawtooth hangers).

    • Shipped artwork using standard glass is not advisable; Plexiglass is preferred. Artwork with glass that arrives cracked/shattered will not be exhibited.

  • Delivery Deadline: Finished artwork must be received by no later than 5:00 p.m. MST, October 10, 2025.

Plein Air Photography Definition

Plein air, a term derived from the French "en plein air" meaning "in the open air," refers to the practice of capturing photographs while outdoors, directly in the scene being photographed, rather than relying on studio setups or post-processing to replicate natural lighting and environments. This approach allows photographers to embrace the dynamic nature of natural light, capture spontaneous moments, and connect with the environment in a more intimate way.

Key aspects of plein air photography:

  • Focus on natural light: Capturing the essence of a scene under natural light conditions, including subtle changes throughout the day.

  • On-location shooting: The photographer is present at the scene, observing and interacting with the environment.

  • Emphasis on spontaneity: Embracing unexpected variations in natural settings.

  • Connection with the environment: Developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

  • Distinction from studio photography: Unlike controlled studio setups, plein air photography is dynamic and authentic.

Festival Timeline

  • Shooting Period: October 3–5, 2025 – All photos must be taken within these dates.

  • Printing Period: October 6–9, 2025 – Images can be self-printed or printed at local providers (e.g., Flagstaff Camera, Walmart, Walgreens).

  • Artwork Delivery: October 10, 2025 – Finished, framed pieces must be submitted to the exhibition venue.

  • Exhibition & Awards:

    • Opening & Awards Ceremony: October 11, 2025 (Flagstaff Camera).

    • Exhibition Closes: October 19, 2025.

  • Artwork Pickup: October 20, 2025 (unsold works must be collected; late pickups may incur storage fees).

Photography Guidelines

  • Permitted Locations:

    • Coconino County.

    • Greater Sedona area.

    • All Native American Reservations (except Apache and Mohave Counties).

  • Subjects: Any outdoor scenery (landscapes, urban scenes, nature, etc.).

  • Prohibited:

    • AI-generated or heavily manipulated images.

    • Violations of Native American reservation photography laws (if applicable).

Disqualification & Penalties

  • Grounds for Disqualification:

    • AI use, non-compliance with dates/locations, missed deadlines, unethical practices.

    • Failure to meet framing/submission requirements.

Shipping Instructions

  • Artists who ship their work must provide a prepaid return UPS or FedEx shipping label enclosed in the box. USPS labels are accepted if necessary.

  • No wood crates or Styrofoam peanuts. Artwork without a prepaid return label will be considered abandoned.

Judging & Prizes

  • Panel: Three professional photographers selected by the Sponsor.

  • Criteria: Originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact, creativity, and adherence to plein air theme.

  • Categories:

    • Color Photography.

    • Black & White Photography.

  • Prizes:

    • 1st Place (each category): $250 gift card to Flagstaff Camera.

    • 2nd Place/Honorable Mention: TBD.

Rights & Licensing

  • Photographers retain copyright but grant ACF a non-exclusive license to display images for promotional purposes.

Additional Requirements

  • Model/property releases required for recognizable persons or copyrighted works.

Ethics & Liability

  • Content Restrictions: No explicit/obscene/violent material.

  • Liability: ACF is not responsible for damage/theft; artists may insure work.

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