PHOTOGRAPHER Simon Vaang | ADVISER Jayna Rumble | University of Chicago Laboratory High School, Illinois
PHOTO ELEMENTS Unique Perspective | Framing | Fill the Frame
This image stops the viewer in their tracks. The photographer fills the entire frame with this symmetrical photo and got up close and personal. The capture of the drop of liquid going into the beaker adds some movement to a still moment. The photographer got down low to eye level with the subject, which strengthens the photo.
2ND PLACE | NATURE SERVICE
PHOTOGRAPHER Noah Gunning | ADVISER Jayna Rumble | University of Chicago Laboratory High School, Illinois
PHOTO ELEMENTS Composition: Leading Lines | Storytelling | Rule of Thirds
Capturing students learning outside of the classroom makes this photo stand out. The student’s arms and tools lead the viewer directly to his focused face. The use of color is strong, and it is a storytelling image. The grass helps fill the image and frame the subject.
3RD PLACE | SPARKS OF CREATION
PHOTOGRAPHER Sadie Hadlock | ADVISER Jana DeLong | Westmoore High School, Oklahoma
PHOTO ELEMENTS Lighting | Fill the Frame | Technical Merit
This dramatic image uses strong composition and lighting to stand out. The editing is strong and well balanced. The photographer got down low and in front of the welder to capture the individual and their work. A fast shutter speed froze the sparks and smoke to add drama.
4TH PLACE | LOOKING UPWARDS
PHOTOGRAPHER Aiden Parkinson |
ADVISER Steven Dowdle |
Karl G. Maeser Prepatory Academy, Utah
PHOTO ELEMENTS
Unique Perspective | Creativity | Effective Use of Color
5TH PLACE | DEFYING DRAG
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTO ELEMENTS Peak Action | Rule of Thirds | Effective Use of Color
Navneet Thandi | ADVISER Sarah Nichols | Whitney High School, California
1ST PLACE | OUT AND IN!
PHOTOGRAPHER Elaine Edwards | ADVISER Elaine Edwards | Etiwanda High School, California
PHOTO ELEMENTS Peak Action | Technical Merit | Center of Visual Interest
Photographer was able to stop fast action and capture a moment in beautiful light. The image shows the physical intensity of the center of visual interest.
3RD PLACE | BALL IS LIFE
PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Pritchard | ADVISER Kate Pritchard | Wayne Valley High School, New Jersey
PHOTO ELEMENTS Effective Use of Color | Contrast | Creativity
The photographer made use of repetition and color to set a unique mood. The image was skillfully composited to make smooth transitions between layers.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Unique Angle | Center of Visual Interest | Movement
Great job finding bird’s eye view to give a unique perspective for viewers. They were able to isolate the subject on a clean background in order to create an impactful center of visual interest.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Fill the Frame | Unique Perspective |Emotion
Photographer captured storytelling, expression and emotion that elicits an immediate reaction from the viewer. Composition emphasizes cropping from a low angle to fill the frame for maximum impact.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Peak Action | Technical Merit | Rule of Thirds
Photographer does a great job stopping action with a fast shutter speed and putting themselves in the right position for the action to be closer. This image stops a moment in the game. The arms of the players complement each other visually.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Fill the Frame | Center of Visual Interest | Storytelling
A nice change of pace from an action photo. This image shows personality by isolating the musician’s face so the viewer can connect with the subject and his emotion.
4TH PLACE | TAKE A SHOT
PHOTOGRAPHER Temoana Ailā | ADVISER Judy Tanabe and Judy Yamane | Kamehameha Middle SchoolKapālama, Hawaii
PHOTO ELEMENTS Technical Merit | Lighting | Movement
5TH PLACE | THE STUDIES OF A REDBONE COONHOUND
PHOTOGRAPHER Riley Gaines | ADVISER Kate Pritchard | Schuyler Colfax Middle School, New Jersey
PHOTO ELEMENTS Creativity | Background | Storytelling
1ST PLACE | PEAK PERFORMANCE
PHOTOGRAPHER Leah Crow | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Technical Merit | Storytelling |Emotion
Shooting at a dress rehearsal gives photographer the advantage of being on stage for this image. Image captures multiple subjects effectively to highlight a moment in the production. Technical skill and proximity to actors helps readers feel in the middle of the action--down to seeing the beads of sweat on actors.
2ND PLACE | IT’S-A ME!
PHOTOGRAPHER Annabelle Davis | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Repetition | Rule of Thirds | Peak Action
Photographer captured a really fun moment that transfers emotion to the viewers. They were ready with a fast shutter speed to stop the action and they anticipated the moment.
PERFORMANCE
3RD PLACE | HAUNTED
PHOTOGRAPHER Lillie Orgeron | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Lighting | Rule of Odds | Fill the Frame
This image is all about pushing in tight on the subjects to reveal the emotion of the scene. Lighting and filling the frame are the stars of this photo show.
4TH PLACE | HIP-HOP DEBUT
PHOTOGRAPHER Zella Handzel | ADVISER Dow Tate | Shawnee Mission East High School, Kansas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Cropping | Center of Visual Interest | Effective Use of Color
5TH PLACE | DANCE, DANCE, DANCE
PHOTOGRAPHER Annabelle Davis | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Unique Perspective | Center of Visual Interest | Rule of Thirds
1ST PLACE | SPECTRUM OF THE SOUL
PHOTOGRAPHER Ryley Fedor | ADVISER Kate Pritchard | Wayne Valley High School, New Jersey
PHOTO ELEMENTS Effective Use of Color | Repetition |Technical Merit
Color and compositing blend to convey a spectrum of emotion in this image, successfully making a point.
2ND PLACE | ZEUS
PHOTOGRAPHER Kiersten Unger | ADVISER Andreya Raska | Central High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Repetition | Rule of Odds | Background
Images within images do a good job creating a sense of depth and characterization for this poster image. The illustration effectively shows facets of the athletes personality.
3RD PLACE | SPLINTERED SORROW
PHOTOGRAPHER Annabelle Davis | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Cropping | Emotion | Creativity
Editing illustrates emotion. Photographer used extreme cropping and colorization to encapsulate an emotional story.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Effective Use of Color | Contrast | Creativity
1ST PLACE | REDEMPTION
PHOTOGRAPHER Elif Ekinci | ADVISER Kate Pritchard | Wayne Valley High School, New Jersey
PHOTO ELEMENTS Effective Use of Color | Creativity |Lighting
The photographer took a self portrait and captured a powerful image. The placement of the head covering creates the illusion of eyes, the strong use of color makes it stand out and the selective lighting creates drama. The portrait fills the frame and is creatively cropped.
2ND PLACE | CLOWN PUNCH
PHOTOGRAPHER Yaneira Mendoza | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Creativity | Storytelling | Effective Use of Color
This clown portrait elicits an emotional reaction. The strong contrasting colors create drama, and the subject placement adds to the story. The gritty feel to the portrait creates a mood that matches the subject.
3RD PLACE | GAME FACE
PHOTOGRAPHER Melissa Santana | ADVISER Dimitri Rodriguez | County Prep High School, New Jersey
PHOTO ELEMENTS Technical Merit | Storytelling | Cropping
This close up portrait draws the viewer right into the eyes. The creative use of water on the helmet and dirt on the subject’s hand adds to the character of the image. Placing the subject slightly off center creates a more dynamic portrait. Strong use of color. The image is technically strong: well exposed and sharply focused.
4TH PLACE | A YEAR OLDER, A YEAR BOLDER.
PHOTOGRAPHER Eshal Muhammad | ADVISER Colleen Smith | Frisco High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Unique Perspective | Effective Use of Color | Cropping
5TH PLACE | THE EYE, A WINDOW TO THE SOUL
PHOTOGRAPHER Noah Gunning | ADVISER Jayna Rumble | University of Chicago Laboratory High School, Chicago | PHOTO ELEMENTS Center of Visual Interest | Depth of Field | Cropping
1ST PLACE | THE WEIGHT OF WILL
PHOTOGRAPHER Mariel Estrada-Galvan | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Rule of Thirds | Emotion |Framing
The photographer filled the frame to enhance intensity of this powerlifting moment. With indoor photography, know your camera to be able to balance the exposure triangle. Photographer did a great job prioritizing aperture and ISO.
2ND PLACE | AN EYE FOR AN EYE
PHOTOGRAPHER Eleanor Schindele | ADVISER Annie Stone | Glacier Peak High School, Washington
PHOTO ELEMENTS Unique Perspective | Rule of Thirds | Storytelling
With such a challenging sport to photograph, this photographer captured a remarkable moment that emphasizes storytelling (and the brutality of the sport). Compositionally, getting low helps the viewer to feel like they are part of the action.
3RD PLACE | T-BALL SCORES!
PHOTOGRAPHER Annie Smith | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Background | Peak Action | Storytelling
This image captures all the elements of an incredible play/sports moment. A great combo of action and reaction in one shot. Technically, the sharpness shows the photographer’s knowledge of their equipment and maximized settings down to the raindrops. While a high value should be placed on filling the frame, this photographer knew not to eliminate essential background elements that help tell the whole story.
4TH PLACE | SAND SPRAY
PHOTOGRAPHER Annie Smith | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Rule of Thirds | Technical Merit | Center of Visual Interest
PHOTO ELEMENTS Peak Action | Center of Visual Interest | Unique Perspective
1ST PLACE | LAST GAME
PHOTOGRAPHER Ray Brosnahan | ADVISER Wade Kennedy | Richardson High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Emotion | Storytelling |Fill the Frame
The photographer stayed on the field taking photos after the action was over, which led to the capture of this emotional image. They shot and cropped tight and eliminated all of the distractions. This image stands out because of the genuine emotional interaction between the athlete and coach. This is a strong storytelling photo.
2ND PLACE | LAST VICTORY
PHOTOGRAPHER Sadie Hadlock | ADVISER Jana DeLong | Westmoore High School, Oklahoma
PHOTO ELEMENTS Center of Visual Interest | Emotion | Storytelling
The photographer captured a genuine moment filled with emotion. The image also has strong composition, with the cheerleaders reaching in to hug the central two subjects, creating a frame for them. The photo is sharp and well-exposed.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Storytelling | Unique Perspective | Framing
This image is a great capture at the peak moment of interest. Getting low and being ahead of the action allowed the photographer to get a strong, wide, story-telling image.
4TH PLACE | TAKEDOWN
PHOTOGRAPHER Easton Hairell | ADVISER Blair Davis | Grand Oaks High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Emotion | Unique Perspective | Storytelling
5TH PLACE | A WINNER’S ROAR
PHOTOGRAPHER Jackson Sanchez | ADVISER Sharon Kubicek | Round Rock High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Emotion | Center of Visual Interest | Technical Merit
1ST PLACE | WATERBUCKET CHALLENGE
PHOTOGRAPHER Noah Gunning | ADVISER Jayna Rumble | University of Chicago Laboratory High School, Illinois
PHOTO ELEMENTS Center of Visual Interest | Storytelling | Movement
The wide-storytelling image is a complete scene captured in one frame. There is the teacher, who is the strong center of visual interest, and then as you look at the image, you continue to see the emotion, action and reaction in all of the students’ faces. The photographer was in the right place, ready to record the moment. High shutter froze the action, and the image is well-exposed despite sunny conditions.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Storytelling | Cropping | Rule of Thirds
The genuine emotion and interaction in this moment brings the photo to life. The photographer is eye-level and in front of the subjects, which adds to the composition and storytelling in the photos. They used rule of thirds, cropping and filling the frame to create a dynamic image that draws the viewer right in.
3RD PLACE | HIGHER ENERGY
PHOTOGRAPHER Annabelle Davis | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Storytelling | Lighting | Peak Action
The photographer takes the viewer into the student scene at the dance, where we otherwise would not get to see. Using an external flash in low light makes the image pop. Filling the frame with the students makes for an active student life image.
4TH PLACE | LIFE OF THE PARTY
PHOTOGRAPHER Mariel Estrada-Galvan | ADVISER Clint Smith | Texas High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Storytelling | Fill the Frame | Cropping
5TH PLACE | I WIN!!!
PHOTOGRAPHER Henry Fair | ADVISER Wade Kennedy | Richardson High School, Texas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Framing | Center of Visual Interest | Movement
1ST PLACE | LIGHT IN THE DARK
PHOTOGRAPHER Kaylee Anderson | ADVISER Justin Turner | Bryant High School, Arkansas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Rule of Odds | Unique Perspective | Lighting
A bird’s eye view of yearbookers working on the computers with the light on their faces gives a unique perspective of a scene we know. The photo is balanced with strong composition. The photographer captured a powerful image of students at work, despite not seeing their faces.
PHOTO ELEMENTS Storytelling | Fill the Frame | Cropping
Reporters and photographers on the sidelines hard at work captures one of the not-so-glamorous but critical jobs that yearbookers are responsible for. The crowd is dissipating, but the student and athlete are still going.
3RD PLACE | ON LOOKERS
PHOTOGRAPHER Madison Greenwood | ADVISER Jennifer Riley-Hansen | Riverton High School, Utah
PHOTO ELEMENTS Fill the Frame | Cropping | Effective Use of Color
The photographer captured the yearbookers behind-the-scenes as they tell the story of the year. They are down low and out of the way, doing their job. The lighting of the stage adds to the interest of the image.
4TH PLACE | DOWN, SET...SAY CHEESE!
PHOTOGRAPHER Coco Tullis | ADVISER Steven Dowdle | Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, Utah
PHOTO ELEMENTS Leading Lines | Rule of Thirds | Depth of Field
5TH PLACE | TAKE A LOOK
PHOTOGRAPHER Maria Morales Ocampo | ADVISER Justin Turner | Bryant High School, Arkansas
PHOTO ELEMENTS Creativity | Storytelling | Unique Perspective
5/
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
Alison Strelitz
PHOTOGRAPHER
Anna Finkbiner
ADVISER
Emma Michel
PHOTOGRAPHER
Finley Feagans
ADVISER
Dow Tate
Shawnee Mission East High School, Kansas
PHOTOGRAPHER
Valerie Crossley
ADVISER
Sophie Rathmann
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ryley Fedor
ADVISER
1/ ALONE IN THE END ZONE
Jake Strelitz
Westlake High School, Texas
2/ CRUISING INTO SENIOR YEAR
Ponderosa High School, Colorado
3/ CROWNING THE KING
4/ SHAKESPEARE’S PLAN
Discovery Canyon Campus, Colorado
SPLIT DECISION
Kate Pritchard
Wayne Valley High School, New Jersey
PHOTOGRAPHER
Catalina Lopez-Sanchez
ADVISER
Kristin Taylor
The Archer School for Girls, California
PHOTOGRAPHER
Lauren Hohlt
ADVISER
Shauna Banks
PHOTOGRAPHER
Sofia Melendez
ADVISER
Rebekah Best Cypress Creek High School, Texas
PHOTOGRAPHER
1/ LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaylee Anderson
ADVISER
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
Shelby Nickells
THE MASSACRE ON MIMOSA
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ray Brosnahan
ADVISER
Wade Kennedy
Richardson High School, Texas 4/ HOUSE OF HUES
PHOTOGRAPHER
Elif Ekinci
ADVISER
Kate Pritchard
Justin Turner
Bryant High School, Arkansas 2/ HARD AT WORK
Faye Zayed
Rouse High School, Texas 3/
Wayne Valley High School, New Jersey
Taylor
Ridge High School, Utah
1/ STRING PERFECTION
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaylee Anderson
ADVISER
Justin Turner
ADVISER
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
ADVISER
Bryant High School, Arkansas
TUNNEL VISION
Danika Bakare
Shauna Banks Creekview High School, Texas
Alexia Galvan
Brandon Lantow
Nicole Cvetnich
Green Valley High School, Nevada
HYPE FOR THE STRIPES PHOTOGRAPHER
Jayden Shipman
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
ADVISER
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
Texas
ADVISER
University
ADVISER
1/ WE DID IT BRO!
Yaneira Mendoza
Clint Smith
Texas High School, Texas
2/ BIG BRAINS
PHOTOGRAPHER
Finley Feagans
Dow Tate
Shawnee Mission East High School, Kansas
3/ OUT OF THE BUNKER
Lillie Orgeron
Clint Smith
High School, Texas
4/ THE CRAFTSMAN
PHOTOGRAPHER
Viren de Jeu
Jayna Rumble
of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Illinois
5/ WINDOW TO THE SOUL
PHOTOGRAPHER
Elif Ekinci
Kate Pritchard
Wayne Valley High School, New Jersey
1/ RETURN OF THE MAYAN
PHOTOGRAPHER
Yaneira Mendoza
ADVISER
Clint Smith
Texas High School, Texas
2/ DRIVE
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kiersten Unger
ADVISER
Andreya Raska
Central High School, Texas
3/ WHERE BROTHERHOOD MEETS THE GOAL LINE
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jillian Stone
ADVISER
Mandi Taylor
Clinton Middle School, Missouri 4/ THE PROPER LADY
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kiley Scott
ADVISER
Tiffany Hawk
Meridian High School, Idaho
PHOTOGRAPHER
Finley Feagans
ADVISER
Dow Tate
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
Tish
Rock
PHOTOGRAPHER
Hudson
ADVISER
Wade Kennedy
Richardson
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
Michael
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
1/ FURRY FRIEND
Shawnee Mission East High School, Kansas
2/ JHUMKAS IN MOTION
Anjana Saravanan
Cama
Hill High School, Texas
3/ SOARIN
Morris
High School, Texas
4/ BEAST MODE
Keely Smith
Witman
Paso Robles High School, California
5/ MANA WĀ HINE
Emi Sylva
Judy Tanabe and Judy Yamane
Kamehameha Middle SchoolKapālama, Hawaii
1/ HANDS SCULPT CLAY
PHOTOGRAPHER
Emi Bruno-Azcarate
ADVISER
LeAnn Schmelzenbach
Broughton Magnet High School, North Carolina
2/ FIND THE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Seth Johnson
ADVISER
Steven Dowdle
Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, Utah
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jake Strelitz
ADVISER
Alison Strelitz
Westlake High School, Texas
4/ BENCH ENERGY PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaden VanDuyne
ADVISER
Tanya Dolata
Highland High School, Ohio
3/ BALLOONS
PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVISER
PHOTOGRAPHER
Mila Mascioli
ADVISOR
Gudelj
PHOTOGRAPHER
Shelby Levan
ADVISER
Kyle Carter
Westwood
Noah Gunning
ADVISER
Jayna Rumble
Viren de Jeu
Jayna Rumble
Thousands of student photographers from across the country submitted their impactful moments to the Jostens Photo Contest 2026. Jostens is grateful for the opportunity to showcase these top award winners. All winners will be featured in Jostens Look Book 2027.
JUDGES
Publication Adviser, Westmoore High School, Oklahoma
Publication Adviser, Rock Canyon High School, Colorado
Publication Adviser, Westlake High School, Texas
Publication Adviser, Richardson High School, Texas
