IMAGE COMP
The SYNC Image Competition is one of the largest in the industry—and for good reason. With thousands of dollars in prizes, over 40 awards, and printed galleries displayed at the conference, it’s a chance to have your work seen and celebrated. But more than that, it’s a powerful learning experience—one that helps photographers grow, refine their craft, and see their work in a whole new way.
The 2027 Image Competition Info will be posted in the Summer.
Showcase your best work in the 18th Annual SYNC Image Competition!
Whether you're entering for scores and growth or competing for awards at SYNC 2026, this year’s event brings refreshed categories, updated rules, and exciting new trophies.
Open to all photographers, this competition offers the chance to have your work professionally judged and scored.
Please note: Only registered SYNC 2026 attendees are eligible for awards, printed displays/galleries, prizes, and trophies.
Non-attending photographers are ONLY eligible for full judging, score, optional critiques, and digital Awards of Excellence.
Review the updated rules, prepare your entries, and get ready for an exciting year of competition growth and recognition.
SAVE THE DATES
Mark your calendar—deadlines will not be extended. No refunds for missed deadlines.
• November 1, 2025: SYNC Image Competition opens.
• November 1, 2025, to Janury 9, 2026: $20 per entry until 11:00 PM EST / 10:00 PM CST / 9:00 PM MST / 8:00 PM PST.
• January 9, 2026, to January 31, 2026: 
$30 per entry starting at 11:00 PM EST / 10:00 PM CST / 9:00 PM MST / 8:00 PM PST
• January 31, 2026: Final deadline: All entries must be uploaded and paid by 11:00 PM EST (10:00 PM CST / 9:00 PM MST / 8:00 PM PST). No exceptions.
• February 5-7, 2026: Live Image Competition Judging.
• February 23, 2026: SYNC Awards and Party (included with SYNC registration).
Read the rules for complete details on submissions, payments, and eligibility.
2026 CATEGORIES
HS Senior Indoor
HS Senior Outdoor
HS Senior Hobby/Arts
HS Senior Athlete
Sports and Volume Indoor (ages K-12)
Sports and Volume Outdoor (ages K-12)
Sports and Volume Banners (ages K-12)
Sports and Volume Action (ages K-12)
Open
The Gallery at SYNC: Seasons
2026 AWARDS + TROPHIES
Please note: Only registered attendees of SYNC 2026 are eligible to receive awards, prizes, printed displays/galleries, and trophies. While all entrants may participate and receive scores, award winners must be in attendance at the SYNC Awards Ceremony to claim their prize..
Award Of Excellence (digital version for non-attendees)
Judges Choice
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Trophies
First Time Award
Breakout Photographer of the Year
Seniors' Choice
Athlete's Choice
Photographers' Choice
Best of Show
HS Senior Photographer of the Year
Sports/Volume Photographer of the Year
The Aaron Adams Icon Legacy Award
Complete details on the criteria will be available in the official rules document.
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDEES!
To ensure eligibility please adhere to the official rules and deadlines. Download the rules below.
All entries must go through PRINTCOMPETITION.COM.
Stay connected with your scores as they are being judged with www.printcompetition.com. SYNC utilizes PrintCompetition.com to manage your images and scores for the SYNC Awards. All images must be uploaded into this system to be eligible for judging.
All entrants will receive scores and feedback; only SYNC 2026 attendees are eligible for trophies, awards, and prizes at the SYNC Awards.
The Gallery at SYNC: NEON
At SYNC, for the fourth year, we bring this innovative addition to our photography competition—an immersive gallery experience that will transport you into the vibrant world of NEON like never before. Prepare to step into a space filled with bold color, glowing light, and high-energy imagery as you explore a collection that goes beyond traditional photography exhibitions.
The NEON Theme
Our photography competition has always pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling, and this year’s NEON Category is no exception. Attendees will submit their most striking images centered around the theme of neon.
From neon signage and night scenes to bold lighting, vibrant clothing styles, and imaginative use of color, the results promise to be visually stunning and full of energy.
How will images be selected?
The Top 20 images in the NEON Category will be showcased in the gallery. If an attendee has more than one image in the Top 20, only their highest-scoring image will be displayed. This ensures a diverse and dynamic collection featuring 20 images from 20 talented photographers. (see official rules for more)
In the event of a tie, the judges will make the final decision.
The Gallery Information
The Gallery will be open during conference hours and is located on Level 2 of the conference center in the Jasmine Room.
Note: Only registered SYNC attendees are eligible to have their prints on display.
Presented by:
Explore the Top 10 Display at SYNC, featuring the highest-scoring images. These standout photos represent the peak of creativity and skill in high school senior and youth sports photography. Each image tells a powerful story, showcasing the exceptional talent of SYNC’s top photographers.
How will images be selected?
The top 10 scores from the Image Competition will be on display. In case of a tie, the judges will select the final image(s).
The Top 10 Display Information
The display will be open during conference hours and is located on Level 1 of the conference center in the grand foyer.
Note: Only registered SYNC Attendees are eligible to have their prints on display.
Meet The Makers
Mingle with the photographers who created the images and ask questions about their techniques. Day and time to be announced.
Presented by:
BayPhoto
The Favorite Things print display at SYNC is a prestigious showcase of carefully curated photographs handpicked by the event's organizers, Darty and Michele Hines. The selection process is highly discerning, ensuring that only a limited number of exceptional photographs make it to the display, making it a true celebration of visual artistry and storytelling. All categories and all scores will be considered.
How will images be selected?
The images are hand-selected by Darty and Michele Hines, the owners of SYNC, and are considered some of their favorite images of the competition.
The Favorite Image Display Information
The display will be open during conference hours and is located on Level 1 of the conference center in the grand foyer.
Note: Only registered SYNC Attendees are eligible to have their prints on display.
Meet The Makers
Mingle with the photographers who created the images and ask questions about their techniques. Day and time to be announced.
Presented by:
BayPhoto
Award-winning images from SYNC Awards 2024.