The deadline for the 2021 ADS Dahlia Contest is December 1st, 2021. Winning photos are announced in late January 2022. The grand prize photographer receives $50.00. Each first-place winner receives $20.00, second place $10.00, and third place $5.00.
Except for the People’s Choice and the Undisseminated/seedling class, the dahlias photographed should be ADS classified dahlias. The classification handbook can be found on the ADS website. In most classes, the dahlia bloom (s) should predominate the image. You do not need to be an ADS member to submit your photo. Photos can be submitted online or through the mail. A USB device is preferred. Photos can be taken with a cell phone as well. Photos are to be from the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons.
There is a 28 MB per email limit on file size. Jpeg format works best. In general, you can submit an email with 9 to 12 photos attached. Please do not submit thirty emails with 30 photos. Please include your name, contact information, a statement that you are an amateur photographer and you took the photograph yourself. If you mail entries, please include the information with your media. An image can be submitted in one class/category. However, up to three photos can be entered for each class.
Labeling your photos is important. Many images are submitted each year which could win but information is missing, or directions were not followed. Include the name of the bloom, location of a garden or a show, and the name of the individual(s) in the photo. Do not put your name on the photo. For example, the portrait of a single bloom of Spartacus should be labeled Class 2A, Spartacus. If you enter more than one photo in a category use Class 2A, 2B, 2C etc. Please send all your entries at one time.
Winning images are published in the Bulletin and posted on the ADS websites. We do our best to identify who took the photo. If for some reason you do not want your photos archived, please include that information with your entries. If mailing your photos, please include the entry form – Entry Form in doc format or Entry Form in pdf format. If submitting online, scan the completed form and attach to your email or include a statement that you have read the contest rules and agree.
The ADS 2021 Photo Contest categories are:
Class 1 – Undisseminated/Seedlings- In general, they are unclassified dahlias and have not been sold as a “named” variety.
Class 2 – Dahlia portrait. A photo of a single bloom.
Class 3 – Dahlia blooms- More than one cultivar or more than one bloom of a cultivar. Please identify the cultivar(s).
Class 4 – Dahlia Gardens- Photos of places where dahlias are grown.
Class 5 – Dahlia shows and personalities. Photos of activities related to dahlia shows and the shows themselves. They are archival in nature.
Class 6 – Dahlias and Critters – Insects and animals and the dahlias
Class 7 – Dahlias and kids. My favorite category. They show so much emotion.
Class 8 – Digital dark room- Using a program to enhance an image. For example, change the color of a dahlia.
Class 9 – Macro view – Up close view of a portion of a dahlia.
Class 10 – People’s Choice- Enter your favorite photo, including photos of non-ADS classified dahlias. There will be an online vote for the winners of this category. Instructions for the People’s Choice award voting will be in the December ADS Bulletin and on the ADS website after the contest ends.
Entries can be submitted online to photocontest@dahlia.org.
Or by mail – Deborah Pavich, 200 E Nikki Lane, Belfair, WA 98528
Good luck!