Charlotte Observer’s ‘Captured Memories’ high school photo contest now open

Calling all aspiring student photographers. The time to showcase your talent has arrived.

The Charlotte Observer is accepting entries for its “Captured Memories” high school student photo contest. Open to juniors and seniors at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, we are partnering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to present this exciting contest that is in its second year.

Last year’s finalists included students from Myers Park High School, East Mecklenburg High School and South Mecklenburg High School among others. We invite students from every CMS high school, if possible, to enter.

Student are asked to submit ONE photo to as many as three out of five categories: portraits, feature, landscape, sports action and sports feature.

As many as 15 finalists will be selected, with first, second and third place winners chosen from that group. Finalists receive certificates, while the top three will be awarded cash prizes and plaques. The winner is invited to join an Observer visual staff member on a live photo shoot.

All finalists will receive their awards and accolades during The Observer’s annual Captured Memories Photographers’ Showcase, held at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, and have their photos displayed on Observer platforms.

How to enter

Contest is open through Dec. 12 and winners will be notified by email in January.

Official entry form and directions may be found at this link. Submit your best work today!

This story was originally published October 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

Lisa Vernon Sparks

The Charlotte Observer

704-358-5273

Lisa Vernon Sparks was the Race, Culture and Community Engagement Editor for The Charlotte Observer. Previously she was an Opinion Editor with the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. She is an alumna of Columbia University in New York and Northeastern University in Boston. Support my work with a digital subscription