Capture Maidstone’s Stories: Through Your Lens

Visit Maidstone invites you to showcase the beauty, character, and unique experiences within the Maidstone area through photography. This competition celebrates the landscapes, culture, heritage, and everyday moments that make the borough special to visit.

Who Can Enter:

Open to both residents and visitors based in the UK.

All skill levels welcome, from amateur to professional

Entrants must be aged 16 or over

Theme Categories:
Participants may submit images under one or more of the following themes:

1. Nature & Landscapes – Showcasing Maidstone’s countryside, waterways and villages, capturing seasonal change, wildlife and the rich biodiversity found across the borough
2. Moments in History – Bring Maidstone’s past to life through landmarks, architecture, and places with a past
3. Life in Maidstone – Portraits and scenes that reflect the character, community, culture, events and diversity of local life in the borough.
4. Hidden Gems – Uncover lesser-known places and unique perspectives
5. Tastes & Traditions – Food, drink, and social moments that tell the story of Maidstone’s culture and lifestyle

We are looking for authentic, inspiring, and visually engaging images that reflect Maidstone’s personality—whether that’s peaceful countryside, vibrant town life, or unexpected moments.

Submission Guidelines:

• Photos must be taken within the Maidstone area
• The submitted images can be landscape or portrait orientation, high-resolution max 10MB (minimum 300dpi recommended). Please note portrait-oriented images will not appear on the Visit Maidstone website which uses landscape images only.  They may however be selected for other media such as the front cover of the Borough Insight Magazine.
• Minor editing is permitted (e.g., colour correction), but no heavy manipulation
• No AI generated images
• Each entrant may submit up to 5 images
• Submissions must include: title, category, and a short description of the subject of the photo, and where and when it was taken (max 100 words)

Judging :
The entries will be assessed by a panel of judges led by Alex Hare, acclaimed tourism professional photographer, who has provided much of the Visit Maidstone imagery. www.alexharephotography.com

Entries will be judged based on:

• Creativity and originality
• Composition and technical quality
• Relevance to Maidstone and chosen category
• Emotional or storytelling impact

Prizes:

Overall Winner: £250

Category Winners: £50

Selected entries will be featured on the Visit Maidstone website and on social media

Key Dates:

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026

Usage Rights:
By entering, participants grant Visit Maidstone (Maidstone Borough Council) permission to use submitted images for promotional purposes, with appropriate credit given to the photographer.

How to Enter:

Submit entries here. This takes you to an online application form where you can upload your photos. Please read the Competition Terms and Conditions.

Should you have any problems with the application, please email us at info@visitmaidstone.com

Show us what makes Maidstone special—through your eyes.