Shutterbug Showdown

The Zelienople Area Public Library (ZAPL) is celebrating the photographer in each of us with the return of the Shutterbug Showdown! ZAPL invites any library card holder to submit their original photographs. Don’t have a library card…plan a visit to our library and get one (it’s free)!

The opening reception will be on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6 pm. Community-friendly photography.

We welcome photographers of all levels of experience. This year’s contest will have a theme, The Four Seasons, offering amateur photographers of all ages an opportunity to showcase photos that capture the beauty and diversity of our world throughout our seasons. Participants are encouraged to submit their best shots representing the unique characteristics of spring, summer, autumn, or winter.

This is an ALL AGES show. Please make sure that the work you submit consists of community-friendly content. Before submitting work to this show, please consider that the library is a public space and that this show will be open to an audience ranging from children to senior citizens. While submission or participation is encouraged and appreciated, pieces containing subject matter deemed inappropriate for public exhibition may be excluded from the show. Please take this into consideration before finalizing your submissions and thank you for your understanding and compliance.

Overview of the Rules

Age Groups: Youth – Age 18 and Under Adult – Age 19-59 Seniors – Age 60+

Participation Fee: There is a $10 participation fee, which will be used to award cash prizes to the winners. Each fee includes up to TWO (2) photo entries.

Applications, photographs and entry fee must be received by 6 pm on April 30, 2025. A maximum of two (2) photos per entry fee. Each photo submitted must be 8”x10” size mounted on foam board no larger than 11”x14” with your name and photo title on the back. Please use double-sided tape to mount your photos. Submitted photos should be original and previously unpublished in a commercial endeavor. Submissions may be included on our website, Facebook page and/or other electronic and print communications.
Paper forms are available at the Zelienople Area Public Library (ZAPL) and can be downloaded at <>. Applications, photos, and entry fee will be accepted from 04/14/2025-04/30/2025. We encourage early submission of applications in case we run out of space. Paper forms and entry fee may be mailed or dropped off at the library circulation desk. Applicants may pay by cash, check or credit card at the Zelienople Area Public Library. Make checks payable to: Zelienople Area Public Library

Prizes: Judge’s Choice first- and second-place selections in each age group will receive a cash award. The dollar amount will depend on the number of entry fees received.

Community Choice first- and second-place winners in each age group will receive a Swag Bag of goodies from local businesses.
Judges for this exciting showdown include Zelienople’s Elliott Cramer, of Elliott Cramer Photo + Video; last year’s adult winner and local Facebook favorite, Andrew Barclay; and William Penberthy of Penberthy Studio.
The winners will be revealed at a reception held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6 pm.

Community Voting and Sponsorship
Stop by the Zelienople Area Public Library to support not only our local library, but also your neighbor’s entries, during business hours (see website for daily hours). Community voting will be held from May 7 through May 21, 2025.
Each library cardholder will be given two (2) complimentary vote tickets. Additional tickets are available—two (2) for each $1.00 donation.