# NSPA Photojournalism Contest The **NSPA Photojournalism Contest**, hosted by the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), is an annual competition designed to celebrate and showcase the talents of high school students in the field of photojournalism. This virtual competition invites students to submit their best photographs in categories such as sports, news, and feature photography. With a focus on storytelling through visuals, the contest challenges students to capture compelling moments that inform, engage, and inspire. ## Program Structure The NSPA Photojournalism Contest is conducted entirely online, allowing students from across the United States to participate. The competition typically operates on an annual basis, with specific submission deadlines determined by the NSPA. Participants must submit their photographs digitally, adhering to the guidelines provided on the organization’s website. The contest is centered around three primary categories: - **Sports Photography**: Capturing action-packed moments or emotional stories related to sports. - **News Photography**: Highlighting current events or issues with powerful imagery. - **Feature Photography**: Telling human-interest stories through impactful visual compositions. Each submission is evaluated by a panel of industry professionals, including photographers and journalists, with winners recognized for their creativity, storytelling, and technical skill. Students may enter the competition for a fee of $15 per submission. ## What Students Experience By participating in the NSPA Photojournalism Contest, students gain invaluable experience in the art and craft of photojournalism. They will: - Develop their technical photography skills, including composition, lighting, and framing. - Learn how to tell compelling stories through images, a critical skill in journalism and the arts. - Receive constructive feedback from professional judges, which can provide insight into industry standards and help refine their talents. - Compete against peers nationwide, showcasing their work in a professional setting. As an extracurricular activity, this program offers a chance for students to immerse themselves in the world of visual storytelling and gain recognition for their creative vision. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participation in the NSPA Photojournalism Contest demonstrates a student’s initiative, creative ability, and passion for the arts and storytelling. Winning or even entering a national contest like this reflects a drive for excellence and a willingness to engage in a competitive, professional environment. For students interested in pursuing careers or studies in journalism, photography, media, or the arts, this program is an excellent way to showcase both talent and commitment on a college application. Additionally, the contest helps students build a portfolio of work, which can be beneficial not only for college applications but also for internships, scholarships, or other creative opportunities. ## Eligibility The NSPA Photojournalism Contest is open to all high school students in grades 9-12 across the United States. No prior experience in photojournalism is required, making this competition accessible to beginners as well as more experienced photographers. However, participants must comply with the submission guidelines provided by the NSPA, ensuring their photographs meet the required technical and content standards. ## How to Participate To participate in the NSPA Photojournalism Contest, students must: 1. Visit the official National Scholastic Press Association website for detailed guidelines and submission instructions. 2. Prepare their photographs according to the contest rules, ensuring they fit into one of the three categories: sports, news, or feature photography. 3. Pay the $15 submission fee for each entry. 4. Submit their work online before the designated deadline. For more information and to access the submission portal, visit the NSPA’s official website: [https://studentpress.org/nspa](https://studentpress.org/nspa). Be sure to check for updates on deadlines and any additional requirements. Participating in the NSPA Photojournalism Contest is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to hone their skills, gain national recognition, and take a significant step toward their future in photojournalism or the arts.