2025 Earth Day Photography Contest: “Hidden Gems”

Attention all photographers and nature enthusiasts! The City of Sonoma, in partnership with the Sonoma Community Center, is excited to announce the 2025 Earth Day Photo Contest. This year’s theme, “Hidden Gems,” invites you to explore and capture Sonoma Valley’s lesser-known natural treasures—those quiet, breathtaking places that often go unnoticed but make our region truly special.

Whether it’s a hidden grove, a secluded creek, or a stunning vista off the beaten path, we want to see your unique perspective on Sonoma Valley’s natural beauty!

Key Dates

Submissions Open: March 1 – March 31, 2025
Online Voting: April 11 – April 18, 2025
Winners Announced: Earth Day, April 22, 2025

All submitted photos will be displayed in the City Council Chambers as part of the Rotating Chamber Art Program, providing the community with an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate these unique perspectives.

The Earth Day Photo Contest Winners will receive a prize of a Sonoma County Regional Parks Membership Voucher or a local business gift certificate and be recognized at the Opening Night of the Tuesday Night Farmers Market on May 7, 2024.

Submission Guidelines

Deadline: Submit your photo by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025
Limit: Only one photo per person in one of the following age categories:

  • 12 and under
  • 13 – 20
  • 21 and over

How to Submit: Use the online form below
Format: Photos must be in JPG or PNG format and a maximum of 25MB
Minimal editing/filters, please

The City of Sonoma and Sonoma Community Center reserves the right to exclude works that do not align with the theme or contest guidelines. All images are subject to approval. No nudity, political statements, or overly graphic/explicit content will be accepted. This is an all-ages photography contest.

Photos must be taken in Sonoma Valley. For this contest, "Sonoma Valley" is defined as:

  • North of San Pablo Bay at Sears Point
  • East of the Sonoma Mountain Range
  • South of Melita Road & Highway 12
  • West of the Mayacamas Mountain Range

Photos may also be featured in future Earth Day and Earth Action Week promotions.

For questions, contact Sarah Tracy at stracy@sonomacity.org.

Enter Your "Hidden Gem" Photo Here

  • Photos must be taken in Sonoma Valley. For this purpose, "Sonoma Valley" is generally defined as being North of San Pablo Bay at Sears Point, East of the Sonoma Mountain Range, South of Melita Road & Hwy 12 and West of the Mayacamas Mountain Range.
  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. file size: 25 MB.
    Maximum file size - 25 mega bytes.
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