PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee—(Nov. 19, 2025)—Ahead of Pigeon Forge’s annual Wilderness Wildlife Week (Jan. 5-8), event organizers are accepting submissions for the 2026 Smokies Through The Lens photography contest.
The annual photography contest encourages participants to enjoy nature’s beauty and share their experiences through photography. Digital images may be submitted in six categories that showcase:
- Scenic views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park;
- Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park;
- Black & white images of Great Smoky Mountains National Park;
- Manmade landmarks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park;
- Macros in Great Smoky Mountains National Park; and
- Youth (entries must conform to one of the above categories and the photographer must be age 16 or younger).
Entries will be judged on theme, artistic merit, presentation, and technique. Photographs must be the original work of the exhibitor and may not feature pets or people as the main subject. Entries cannot be posed portraits or studio photographs.
To submit images and review all contest rules and regulations, participants should visit https://www.colbysphotosvideos.com/smokies-through-the-lens-photography-contest/#. Individuals may submit a maximum of eight entries in the overall contest. However, participants may enter a maximum of two entries per category. All entries must be received by midnight on Dec. 7. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place honors in each category, in addition to an overall best in show winner.
Images, along with the winning entries, will be displayed during Wilderness Wildlife Week at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge. The photography exhibit is free. For event hours, please visit https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/wilderness-wildlife-week/.
The complete event schedule and registration is available at www.mypigeonforge.com/event/wilderness-wildlife-week.
—MyPigeonForge2025—
Media Contact: Trish McGee at [email protected] or 865-453-8574
About Pigeon Forge: Pigeon Forge is in East Tennessee, approximately 35 miles from Knoxville and McGhee-Tyson Airport. Two-thirds of the nation’s population east of the Mississippi River live within a day’s drive, making it an easily accessible family vacation destination. The city’s neighbor is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the U.S. It also is home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park, Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction. More information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge is available at MyPigeonForge.com or toll-free at 1-800-251-9100.