Photography

Upload your media art from the past school year to compete against the best in the Midwest. All media arts will be uploaded through FilmFreeway

A student or program may only enter ONE category per project. Limitations to the number of projects submitted and time limitations are listed under each category. Please select the best single category to fit your project submission.

Upload Competition

  • Submit 1-3 pieces. Do you have the endurance of a National Geographic photographer. Can you use your knowledge of the subject to capture its image? The viewer should clearly see the subject in its environment. Can the photographer tell that subject's story?

    Photography (Level 1-2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Technical Observation

  • Submit 1-3 pieces. Street photography is about capturing candid moments and chance encounters in public places. Do not pose or premeditate situations. Street photography is about capturing the world around you.

    Photography (Level 1-2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Photojournalism

  • Submit 1-3 pieces. Experimental photography includes, but is not limited to: Light-shaping, Digital manipulation, Metaphorical, Underwater, or high-fashion pieces. Almost anything goes here. Have fun, just keep it OMAF appropriate!

    Photography (Level 1-3) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Digital Manipulation

  • Submit 1-3 pieces. Tell the story, what is happening? How best can you visually represent the environment, tone, and atmosphere of a special event or journalistic package. Emphasis on informing the viewer.

    Photography (Level 2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Event Documentation

  • Submit 1-3 pieces. Show a space within the world. Capture the presence/ atmosphere of location.

    Photography (Level 1) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Composition

  • Submit 1-3 pieces. Focus on a person/ persons and emphasize their personality? Submit your seniors, couples, and families in this category. Good use of light/ location.

    Photography (Level 2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Studio Lighting

  • Submit 1-3 pieces. Emphasis on action. Capture THE MOMENT by showing the skill and understanding of the sport and the athletes that are participating.

    Photography (Level 2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Action Capture

Please note: Upload Contest submissions will be selected to air as Screeners during the festival. This is so cool to know that thousands of people are viewing your work!

Awards will be given during the opening ceremony on October 14th in downtown, Springdale.

The Grid is Live 

The 2026 OMAF Upload Competitions are now open. Secure your spot in the matrix

Submit Now
Submit Now

During OMAF26, students will compete in On-site Competitions on the first day of the festival. Students will have 4 and a half hours on DAY 1 to create content from start to finish. Prompts will be available to registered teams just after the Opening Ceremony, and winners will be announced and shown at the Closing Ceremony of OMAF26.

Onsite Competition

  • You will be given a prompt and will design a fashion shoot and you have to capture a look or mood. Get creative with no limits! Images will be judged on content and composition as well as creativity.

  • You will be given a prompt with a theme. You will have freedom to explore and try new things. Major emphasis on addressing the theme, content, and composition.

  • Capture commercial product shots at a location provided, to display and show off a product. Images will be judged on content, context, composition and creativity.

  • Capture the vibrant energy and everyday moments of life in downtown Springdale in a single photograph. Let your image tell a compelling story, showcasing the people, streets, and unique character of the city. Judges will be evaluating entries based on content, composition, context, and creativity, so focus on creating an image that not only captures a moment but also evokes a deeper narrative about the spirit of the community.