photography-contest

THEME: SWARMS

The Colony in Flight

A swarm is a riddle. It is the hive at its most fragile...exposed, carrying everything it is in a living, breathing cloud. And yet, it is also the hive at its most alive. A sign of abundance, or urgency, or both at once.

This year's contest invites you to explore this time of transition.

2026 COBKA Photography Contest Rules

❖ Participants must be COBKA members in good standing.
❖ First place winners of the 2025 contest are not eligible for the 2026 first place award.
❖ Each participant may submit up to two original photographs.
❖ Please complete one entry form per contestant.
❖ Photos should be high-resolution and reflect the 2026 theme.
❖ All entries must be the photographer’s own work.
❖ Selected images may appear in COBKA’s digital or printed materials - with credit.
❖ Judges and organizers are not eligible to enter.
❖ Entry deadline: November 5, 2026

Prizes

1st Place: $75
2nd Place: $25
3rd Place: 1-year COBKA membership

Winners will be announced and recognized at the November COBKA meeting.

Ready to Enter?

Submit your photos now: Complete the Entry Form & Attach Images (form coming soon)

Having trouble with the form? You can also submit your entry by emailing your images (along with your name and contact info) to: cobka.photos@gmail.com - just be sure to send them by the November 5 deadline.

2026 HAIKU CONTEST

Unlike the photography contest, you do not need to be a COBKA member to enter. We know there’s a surprisingly dedicated (and slightly intense) global haiku community out there! :)

Theme: Swarms

A haiku captures a moment. Brief, observed, and alive.

fewer words, held still-

catch the hum before it fades

then leave it alone

Prizes

One year of COBKA membership
Extremely impressive bragging rights and a commemorative e-certificate

About Haiku

Haiku is a form of short poetry originating in Japan. Traditional haiku are arranged in three parts following a 5-7-5 pattern of on (sound units), which are often approximated in English as syllables (though the two are not equivalent).

Classic haiku typically include a kigo (a word or phrase evoking a season) and a kireji (a “cutting word” that creates a pause or contrast between two images or ideas).

For this contest, English-language haiku are welcome. While the 5-7-5 syllable pattern might serve as a useful starting point, participants are encouraged to prioritize the spirit of the form: a single, clear moment expressed with attention and economy of language. Less about counting and more about noticing.

Contest Rules

❖ Must be original work
❖ One entry per person

❖ Selected haiku may appear in COBKA’s digital or printed materials - with credit.

❖ Judges and organizers are not eligible to enter.
❖ Entry deadline: November 5, 2026
❖ Submit via (form coming soon)

COBKA Photography Contest Archives